Shillong, July 16: Cabinet Minister and East Jaintia Hills legislator Kyrmen Shylla has emphasised that addressing the growing drug menace in the state requires collective action and strong community involvement.
Speaking to media persons, Shylla said, “The drug problem is not just the responsibility of the government or law enforcement; it’s a fight that needs everyone — families, community leaders, and youth — to join hands.”
He acknowledged the challenges in identifying drug users, especially within families, and urged people not to hesitate in seeking help or reporting issues. “If someone in the family is affected, we must support them instead of hiding it. Silence only worsens the problem,” he said.
Shylla noted that East Jaintia Hills, being a transit route, is particularly vulnerable to drug trafficking. “We have several routes, both interstate and international, making it difficult to control. That’s why regular vehicle checks, sealing porous borders, and strict enforcement are crucial,” he added.
He also called for tougher legal measures. “Current laws are often lenient. Stronger sentencing and stringent monitoring can serve as deterrents.”
The minister praised the efforts of NGOs, church leaders, and locality groups for raising awareness but said more needs to be done. He advocated for greater youth engagement through sports and other constructive activities to steer them away from drugs.
On surveillance, he backed the installation of CCTV cameras and proposed expanding Shillong’s Integrated Command and Control System to other districts. “Technology can be a game-changer if used effectively,” Shylla said.
He concluded by urging citizens and government departments to work in unison: “If we all stand united, no problem — not even drugs—is impossible to defeat.”
Also Read: Over 1.7 tonnes of banned single-use plastics seized in East Jaintia Hills
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on-
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
