SHILLONG:
The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) urged the state government on August 11 to speed up the implementation of a policy drafted under the Drug Reduction Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM) for ensuring a drug-free Meghalaya.
In a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills Abhilash Baranwal, KSU-EJHDU president, Streamly N Suchen said, “As the state government has also approved and notified the draft policy under the Drug Reduction Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM) for ensuring drug free Meghalaya, the union feel that this policy should be initiated at the earliest.”
He also suggested the need for the government to speed up the constitution of the advisory board for effective implementation of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 (PITNDPS).
“The union advocates for stricter penalties and legislation against drug-related offenses”, he added
Suchen said that recently, the state government through the social welfare department has declared that over 7 percent or 2.5 lakh of the population of the state are drug addicts which includes 30,000 women and East Jaintia Hills district has been identified as one of the drug hotspots.
Stating that this is a major concern, he urged the DC to intervene and support in prioritising this matter and taking necessary actions to safeguard the district from the devastating consequences of drug abuse.
While urging the traditional heads and institutions, religious institutions and public at large to be involved in combating this problem, Suchen said, “Together, we can create a safer and healthier environment for our present and future generations.”
Further, the KSU leader also asserted the importance of enhancing surveillance and monitoring at entry points to intercept and apprehend individuals involved in drug trafficking.