Shillong, July 7: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has assured full support to the state’s ongoing efforts, especially its community-driven interventions against drug abuse.

The assurance came during a high-level meeting on Monday chaired by Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home, Prestone Tynsong, in the presence of NHRC Special Monitor Rakesh Asthana, a former Director General of the BSF and ex-chief of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

Asthana is on a three-day visit to Meghalaya to assess the drug trafficking situation in the state.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh said the NHRC official was “very appreciative” of the state’s multi-sectoral approach, particularly the DREAM project, which involves educational institutions, faith-based organisations, and local communities in the fight against drugs.

“Meghalaya is among the few states in the country to adopt a community-led strategy to combat drug abuse,” Lyngdoh said. “The NHRC has assured us of full cooperation and support.”

During the meeting, state officials highlighted the threat posed by Meghalaya’s geographic proximity to the Golden Triangle — one of the world’s largest drug-producing regions — noting that supply routes from Myanmar make the state vulnerable to trafficking.

The state also sought NHRC’s assistance in the establishment of a sub-zonal NCB office in Shillong to strengthen enforcement capabilities and expedite clearance for two vehicle scanners, already proposed to the Union Government, to be deployed at key entry points in Ri-Bhoi district.

Lyngdoh confirmed that the NHRC official assured intervention on both fronts.

The meeting was attended by senior police officials including the DGP, along with representatives from the Social Welfare, Law departments, and the DREAM Mission. A more detailed follow-up meeting is scheduled for Tuesday.

The Minister also called for stronger legal and institutional frameworks, urging the Centre to extend preventive detention under the PIT NDPS Act to three years — a move aimed at curbing repeat offenders. Currently, four individuals are under preventive detention while twelve more cases are being reviewed.

Citing a severe shortage of trained professionals, Lyngdoh appealed for more sanctioned posts for drug counsellors and the establishment of fast-track courts to expedite trials.

When asked about the NHRC official’s overall impression, Lyngdoh said, “He was impressed by the seriousness with which Meghalaya is tackling the problem. What distinguishes us is that this isn’t just a government initiative — it’s a whole-community effort.”

Also Read: Meghalaya to lay stress on snakebite relief measures

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