Shillong, Nov 7: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) on Thursday decided to issue a 30-day ultimatum to the state government regarding a set of seven demands. Among these demands is the establishment of a dedicated Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) police unit to address drug trafficking in the region. The HYC has stated that if the government fails to meet these demands within the stipulated time, they will organize a mass protest march to the secretariat.

After addressing an anti-drug public rally at Motphran amid tight security, HYC president Roykupar Synrem said, “We have taken a resolution. 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 added.

According to him, many times the government is quick to give assurance through letters but always takes time to implement the same.

The decision was taken after the state government gave a written assurance to address the issues raised by the council following its meeting with the social welfare minister Paul Lyngdoh.

“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,” Synrem said. He informed that a state level meeting of the DREAM would be held on November 14, which would be chaired by the deputy chief minister in-charge Home (Police).

“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.

Earlier, shops in the Khyndailad and Motphran area remained closed during the public rally.

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