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DIMAPUR — As part of AIDA-Child Friendly Dimapur (CFD) campaign 2024 activities, a walkathon was organised on Saturday in Chümoukedima on the theme “Break free: choose health, not harm.”
An update from CFD stated that the main objective of the campaign was to bring together different child rights clubs, youth and civil society organisations in the city on a common platform and create awareness on substance abuse through the campaign activities.
The walkathon began from NAPTC Gate 2 to CT Square in Chümoukedima with the participation of 315 children, youth and adults from different government departments, civil society organisations, institutions and localities from Dimapur and Chümoukedima.
Delivering the keynote address, the special guest and EAC of Chümoukedima, Kevethito Rose, emphasised the vulnerability of Nagaland, being located between Manipur and Assam, and highlighted that the ongoing improvements in road and communication infrastructure might intensify the future challenges of the drug menace. Reflecting on his observations, he noted that the people are currently facing the second phase of social evil.
According to him, the first phase was during 1970s and 1980s, when drug abuse primarily involved pharmaceutical drugs. However, post 2000, the problem escalated with the introduction of hard drugs like heroin and ‘Shaun flower’ etc. He expressed concern that many of the children are at significant risk.
In this regard, he stressed the importance of a united effort by government agencies such as the district administration, Police, Education and Medical departments along with organisations such as AIDA-Child Friendly Dimapur, Child Helpline and churches to protect children.
He clarified that while fighting against drugs, it was crucial to understand that they are not fighting the addict or abuser but rather combating substance abuse. He has likened the struggle to fighting cancer disease and not with the patient.
Rose further urged everyone to recognise that those struggling with addiction need our love, care and support. He concluded by appealing everyone to recommit to serve the vulnerable, reaching out to those most in need and choosing life over harm.
Vitono Gugu Haralu, joint secretary of Naga Mothers Association and AIDA-Child Friendly Dimapur civil society forum member, drew practical comparisons by illustrating how each of us might be addicted to cell phones and any other forms of addiction, thereby relating to the social issue (substance abuse) at hand.
She emphasised the need for all stakeholders to step up and collaborate to ensure that children and youth experience a sense of safety and security, underscoring that it should be the collective responsibility.
She further urged everyone to recognise and understand the crisis at hand and to take appropriate actions in response.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Garrol Lotha, project coordinator of Child Friendly Dimapur (CFD).