Shillong, Sept 28: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) convened a public meeting today at the Khasi National Dorbar Hall, Mawkhar, to address the escalating drug problem in the state, particularly in Shillong. The discussion focused on strategies to combat drug abuse and trafficking, a challenge the HYC has been tackling since May 2024.
To date, the HYC has sent 120 drug addicts to rehabilitation centers in Assam, with the consent of their families, as part of its ongoing efforts to curb the drug menace.
The meeting saw participation from key political and community leaders, including UDP Working President Jemino Mawthoh, BJP Spokesperson M. Kharkhrang, KHNAM Working President Thomas Passah, and headmen from various localities.
During the discussion, HYC President Bah Roy Kupar Synrem emphasized the importance of collaboration across localities, particularly within the Dorbar Shnongs, to curb both drug trafficking and abuse. He urged headmen to strengthen the roles of Dorbar Shnongs and Village Defense Parties (VDPs) to monitor the movement of people and regulate housing rentals.
“There should be a mechanism to monitor and check people coming from Manipur as the majority of the drugs are coming from these areas especially along the Indo-Burma borders,” said Synrem, pointing out the need for stricter vigilance in these regions.
In addition, the HYC announced plans to demand the implementation of the DEED (Drugs, Elimination, Enforcement, and Dream Mission) from the State Government, which would provide a comprehensive approach to fighting the drug problem in Meghalaya.
KHNAM Working President Bah Thomas Passah also took part in the discussion, advocating for the establishment of government-run rehabilitation centers equipped with health facilities, skill training programs, and sports amenities. Passah also suggested that rehabilitation centers should reduce the cost of referring drug addicts to hospitals, making treatment more accessible.
BJP Spokesperson M. Kharkhrang, meanwhile, stressed the importance of starting the fight against drugs at home. “It is necessary to provide awareness to parents so that they know how to recognize the signs if a child starts to use drugs,” said Kharkhrang, underscoring the role of parental education in early intervention.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for joint community efforts and state intervention to tackle the rising drug problem in Shillong and across the state.