Aizawl, June 25 (IANS) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Thursday said that visible drug abuse on the streets of the state has declined significantly due to sustained, coordinated efforts by the government, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, churches, and local communities.

He noted that many individuals battling substance addiction have successfully undergone rehabilitation and reintegrated into society.

Ahead of the ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’, a discussion programme was organised at the Dawrpui Multipurpose Hall in Aizawl, where the chief minister, ministers, the chief secretary, and other senior officials spoke on the growing challenge of drug abuse and the measures being undertaken to combat it.

Addressing the gathering, Lalduhoma recalled that when the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed in 2024, scenes of drug users wandering on the streets of Aizawl and district headquarters were common and frequently circulated on social media platforms.

Since then, he said, the state government, civil society organisations, churches, and community leaders have worked collectively to address both the supply and demand aspects of the drug menace, leading to visible improvements across the state.

According to the chief minister, the measures undertaken include the formation of the Security Coordination Committee, the revival of the Core Committee on Drug Prevention, the launch of targeted anti-drug operations, extensive awareness campaigns among students, media outreach initiatives, and rehabilitation programmes such as the Hulhhliap Short Stay initiative.

Lalduhoma stated that the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the state’s largest civil society organisation, had declared a year-long anti-drug campaign and actively conducted Anti-Drugs Squad operations across Mizoram. Churches were also encouraged to intensify awareness campaigns and preventive efforts within their congregations and communities.

He further said that the government has partnered with several rehabilitation centres, including the Sethawn Jordan Centre, in collaboration with the Mizoram Synod, to strengthen treatment and recovery services for those affected by addiction.

Urging people, especially the youth, to stay away from narcotic substances, the chief minister said that everyone must have the courage and determination to reject drugs even when they are readily accessible.

He said that even if drugs are within reach, people should not experiment with them, as they are tools of temptation that can destroy lives. He added that many people begin by trying drugs, believing they will not become addicted, but soon find themselves enslaved by addiction. He also said that drugs destroy families and often lead people to an untimely grave.

The chief minister strongly condemned those who profit from the illegal drug trade, describing them as individuals whose actions devastate lives, families, and entire communities.

Referring to recent incidents of drug trafficking, Lalduhoma warned that traffickers frequently exploit trust, friendship, and the Mizo tradition of helping others by persuading unsuspecting individuals to carry packages containing narcotic substances. As a result, many innocent people have unknowingly become involved in trafficking cases and subsequently faced arrest and imprisonment, he said.

The chief minister urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspected drug peddlers or trafficking activities to the authorities without hesitation. He said that if people know or suspect anyone involved in drug trafficking, they must report them and let them face the punishment they deserve.

Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Minister Lalrinpuii, Excise and Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar, MLA K. Laldawngliana, and Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena also addressed the gathering.

Senior government officials, representatives of civil society organisations, community leaders, and a large number of students attended the programme. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to remaining free from drugs and pledged to continue supporting the fight against substance abuse and illicit trafficking in Mizoram.

–IANS

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