Shillong, Aug 11: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Friday urged the state government to speed up the implementation of a policy drafted under the Drug Reduction Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM) for ensuring a drug free Meghalaya.
In a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills Abhilash Baranwal, KSU-EJHDU president Streamly N Suchen said, “As the state government has also approved and notified the draft policy under the Drug Reduction Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM) for ensuring drug free Meghalaya, the union feels that this policy should be initiated at the earliest.”
He also suggested the need for the government to speed up the constitution of the advisory board for effective implementation of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 (PITNDPS).
“The Union advocates for stricter penalties and legislation against drug-related offenses.”
Suchen said that recently, the government of Meghalaya through the social welfare department has declared that over 7 percent or 2.5 lakh of the population of the state are drug addicts which includes 30,000 women and East Jaintia Hills District has been identified as one of the drug hotspots.
Stating that this is a major concern, he urged the DC to intervene and support in prioritizing this matter and taking necessary actions to safeguard the district from the devastating consequences of drug abuse.
“Together, we can create a safer and healthier environment for our present and future generations,” Suchen said while urging the traditional heads and institutions, religious institutions and public at large to be involved in combating this problem.
Further, the KSU leader also asserted the importance of enhancing surveillance and monitoring at entry points to intercept and apprehend individuals involved in drug trafficking.
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