Shillong:
The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) South West Khasi Hills District along with traditional heads have accused Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) of failing to arrest drug traffickers operating in the district.
Informing this to the Social Welfare minister Paul Lyngdoh, the delegation requested his intervention to immediately address the problem, which was affecting the youths of the region.
Speaking to reporters on Monday after meeting the minister, president of the KSU SWKH, Forwardman Nongrem said, “The Anti-Narcotics Task Force existed only on paper in the district. We need the government to direct the ANTF to do its duty as in other districts. We want the police to be serious on the issue of drugs in the district.”
He said that so far the police have not arrested any drug peddler from the district.
In a letter to the minister, the union requested him to come up with ways and means to set up a rehabilitation centre in South West Khasi Hills.
The union also observed that there should be follow-up to ensure that drug peddlers and smugglers are rehabilitated.
On the other hand, Nongrem said that those arrested in drug-related cases, when released are always up to something.
“We have seen that those affected by drugs come from poor families, so we have suggested that the government set up a rehabilitation centre in the district,” Nongrem said.
The union also suggested that a district level committee and a block level committee on drug abuse be established which officials of the district should head.
Observing that the traditional head should play a proactive role in tackling drug menace, Nongrem said, “We have requested the government to empower the village authorities because the headmen, volunteers of Seng Samla Shnong (village youth wing) need empowerment to protect themselves from any illegal consequences while dealing with drug issue.”
In this connection, he said that the minister was requested to issue a government notification so that the village heads will be empowered to deal with the drug menace.
He said that the minister has assured the delegation to call the deputy commissioner of the district and will address the issues brought by them.
Meanwhile, president Seng Samla Shnong Mawten C A Lyngdoh observed that it was time to combat drug abuse to ensure that the youth are protected.
Stating that he is unaware as to how drugs penetrate the rural areas, he said, “Drug smuggling is a business and harms people.”