The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has demanded that the Meghalaya ggovernment form a specialized Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), similar to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, to fight drug trafficking across the state.
HYC President Roy Kupar Synrem explained, “A special team in line with SWAT, just as they did during the height of militancy in Meghalaya, is needed. The ministers informed us that the ANTF will be a designated or specialized team specifically to fight drugs in the state, and we have been assured of this.”
Synrem underscored the need for a focused, standalone team, separate from general law enforcement, stating, “During the height of militancy, the government established a special police team to tackle the issue. Similarly, we want a specially designated team to combat drug trafficking in Meghalaya. Blocking the supply chain would reduce the number of users—without drugs available, there won’t be any users. We need a team dedicated solely to fighting drugs. The ANTF shouldn’t involve officers tasked with other duties, such as law enforcement or VIP security. It must be a focused, specialized team.”
He also addressed structural issues within the current ANTF framework, explaining that the ANTF in each district is under local authority, leading to bureaucratic delays. “If the state ANTF needs support from East Jaintia Hills, they must seek permission from the local superintendent, which delays response time,” he explained.
The HYC further emphasized the importance of selecting trustworthy personnel within the ANTF. Synrem stated, “We cannot trust all police personnel. Team members should be chosen based on their commitment and expertise to tackle drug-related crimes. The government has assured us that the ANTF will be a specialized team with this focus.”
Asked if he is indicating any nexus, Synrem said, “It is not just me who is indicating anything; if you see the statement made by the Meghalaya Congress Committee President, he stated that even the people or the person who is in the power in the higher position of power in the state of Meghalaya or the Deputy CM of Meghalaya, he is also part of this nexus, Who knows? I’m not indicating anything, but the people are talking, I’m just saying but that we cannot trust anyone, it is a fact that in each and every department that will always be people who are involved in this kind of illegal activities, I’m not saying only drugs in all kinds of illegal activities.”
The HYC has also demanded the establishment of a local Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) office to allow for independent investigations of possible police misconduct. “An NCB office here would enable us to conduct investigations independently,” Synrem noted.
In addition, the organisation has requested special courts in districts with high numbers of NDPS cases, specifically in East Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, and Ri Bhoi. “The first meeting of the Dream Mission, chaired by the Deputy CM, will be held on the 14th of this month. The discussion will include forming special courts in districts with a significant number of NDPS cases,” Synrem said.
He informed that over 160 drug users have been sent to rehabilitation centres in Guwahati, Assam.
The state government has also assured supporting treatment and rehabilitation centers in collaboration with local communities. A public meeting is scheduled for the 7th of this month to review the government’s response. Synrem emphasized the need for written assurances from the government regarding their commitments, saying, “We need written confirmation before deciding on further action.”