There are several issues that have been haunting Naga society and one such issue of growing concern is drug trafficking and substance abuse. People are aware of it, talk about it and are concerned but do nothing much to solve or end it. The presence of alcoholics, drug traffickers and drug addicts among the police personnel is also not something new. It is an open secret and yet no concrete action had been taken to end the menace. One big reason why nobody dares to take on this nuisance is the social set-up in the state, where lobbying through big personalities including politicians, leaders and officials is not uncommon. And those who stand for truth and perform their duties efficiently are often despised. In the midst of such a situation, the incumbent Nagaland Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma has decided to tread where most people fear to. His initiative of cleaning up the kitchen by cracking the whip on errant police personnel is commendable. The law enforcement agency that is responsible for maintaining law and order in the society should lead by example. The state government has also done well by giving the DGP a free hand to clean the mess. Most importantly, the police chief has chosen a humane approach in dealing with the problem by giving the police personnel a chance to change. Now, they have only one choice- either to mend their ways or quit their job. So, those who require help should embrace the opportunity to save their jobs, and most importantly their lives by checking into rehabilitation centres. Their families and friends should also help them through this phase by lending their support.
Besides the crackdown on errant personnel, the police have also upped the ante on war against drugs, arresting 157 people in connection with drugs over three months, as per the data made available a few days ago. This is a welcome move amid reports of resurgence in drug use among the youth due to easy availability of banned substances. However, to effectively address the issue, people should learn to respect the rule of law and not bail out criminals who have no regard for the lives of others. Community involvement is vital in tackling the issue. Public should help the police by providing information about drug peddlers and users. To cut the flow of drugs, the police should catch the kingpins by conducting a thorough investigation. Sadly, only petty drug peddlers are caught and sent behind bars, only to be bailed out in no time either by their families or drug lords. Drug menace will continue till the vicious circle of arrest and easy bail out is arrested. The public, law enforcement and government must work together to effectively combat the drug menace.
