The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has set a 30-day deadline for the Meghalaya government to address its seven-point demand aimed at combating the growing drug crisis in the state. During a public meeting at Motphran, the HYC expressed deep concerns about the escalating drug abuse issue and called for urgent government action.
Speaking to reporters, HYC president Roykupar Synrem said, “We have decided to issue an ultimatum of 30 days to the state government to take necessary steps to comply with the seven-point of demands which include forming of a separate police team – ANTF and to notify the fast track courts. On failing to take action, the HYC will not hold any more meetings but we will be calling all citizens of the state to march towards the secretariat to protest against the state government for not being serious to address this issue.
He informed, “During the course of the public rally, we have received a letter from the state government through the social welfare minister informing that it is taking necessary steps and actions on the council’s demands. The letter informed that a state level meeting of the DRAM will be chaired by the deputy chief minister in-charge home (police) on November 14.”
“The government through the letter also assured that necessary decisions will also be taken during the upcoming meeting for the setting up of the ANTF as a separate police team to tackle the problems of drugs as demanded by the HYC and for establishing fast track courts,” he added.
The other demands include treatment and rehabilitation facilities, the need to increase spaces and number of such centres, free detoxification, OST and day care centres, , investigation and prosecution of cases under NDPS Act, prevention of illicit trafficking that is PITNDPS Act, 1988, strengthening the drug supply reduction strategy and establishment of the office of narcotic control board (NCB) in Shillong.
During the public meeting, a significant number of security personnel were deployed at Khyndailad, GS Road, and Motphran, where many shops had temporarily closed their shutters.