Nagaland Governor, Chief Minister concerned over drug menace in state

KOHIMA— Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday raised concern over the increasing drug menace in the state, and called for a collective effort to tackle drug trafficking and substance abuse.

Addressing the ceremonial function of the 36th annual general body meeting 2022-23 of the Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland State Branch (IRCSN) at Dr. Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima, the governor, who is also the president of IRCSN, pointed out the dangers the society is facing due to drugs, which is now easily smuggled into the state through various routes.

Maintaining that the chief minister of Manipur is taking strong action against poppy cultivation, Ganesan said it is one of the reasons for the current situation in Manipur.

Meanwhile, Ganesan underscored the need to build a resilient and compassionate society that stands ready to support and uplift those in need through oneness.

He commended IRCSN for being at the forefront in delivering aid and relief supplies to those affected by various disasters and calamities, even beyond the state’s boundary.

“The state witnessed unfortunate incidents of fire outbreaks in various parts, resulting in the loss of homes, possessions, and sometimes even lives. In such times of distress, the Red Cross has consistently been there to provide immediate relief and support to the affected families. The tireless efforts of our volunteers, who put their own lives on the line to save others, deserve our utmost appreciation,” he said.

He also pointed out that the IRCSN has always played a vital role in promoting and organising blood donation drives across the state and conducting medical camps in remote areas of Nagaland.

The IRCSN president also said that it is imperative that the IRCSN continues to foster strong partnerships and collaborations with government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the community at large to achieve their goals.

Drug affecting youth, students

The chief minister of Nagaland and vice president of IRCSN, said that Nagaland has so many drug peddlers and traffickers.

“They are not just passing by but are affecting the youth and students,” Rio said.

While highlighting the state’s effort in the war against drugs, he said it needs everyone’s participation and the Red Cross Society in particular, which can do a lot of things in this regard,.

Unless the community works together against drugs, it will jeopardise the present as well as the future generations, Rio pointed out.

He called upon the civil society organisations to check the drug menace by creating awareness and educating the people.

Towards this, he said the government is willing to give funds.

The chief minister also raised concern over the use of drugs among police personnel, saying that that it is more dangerous when law enforcement personnel are involved in drug trafficking or drug use.

Another problem the state is facing today is the flow of spurious liquor, he said, claiming that smugglers are mixing all kinds of substances in the liquor to intoxicate the people, which poses a grave health risks o the community.

He urged the Medical department and private practitioners to take the lead in educating the people and creating awareness on the ill-effects of consuming spurious liquor.

The strength of Naga community, Rio said, is people taking care of one another and helping each other during times of distress.

Particularly, in rural areas, people share things with neighbours and friends, they respect one another and are kind, he said, adding that this culture of community strength is similar to the Red Cross Society, where service is given to those people in need.

Earlier, Abeni TCK, chairperson of IRCSN, presided over the function and IRCSN General Secretary Akhale V Khamo read out the report of the society including the various activities and relief works undertaken by the IRCSN.

Nine patrons were also decorated during the event.

ENPO tripartite talks depend on MHA

The chief minister said that the tripartite talks on the demand of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) depend on the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Speaking to the media after the IRCSN meeting, Rio said the matter was not discussed nor shared with the state cabinet’s team which visited central leaders in Delhi recently.