Peren takes steps to combat substance abuse among minors

DIMAPUR— Concerned over the increase in substance abuse cases among children below the age of 18, Deputy Commissioner of Peren, Vineet Kumar has issued an order stating that any shop, institution or individual found selling or distributing restricted substances to minors in the district will be penalized as per the law.

Under Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015, whoever gives intoxicating liquor, narcotic drug, tobacco products or psychotropic substance, unless authorised by a qualified medical practitioner, is punishable with a rigorous imprisonment of up to seven years and fine up to INR 1 lakh.

To raise awareness, the DC also instructed all tobacco-selling establishments to prominently display notice about the prohibition of selling tobacco products to those below the age of 18, updated DIPR.

Kumar also expressed concern over the rising cases of drug abuse “affecting school children in the fifth and sixth grades” during the consultative meeting held in Jalukie Town, on Thursday.

He urged the stakeholders to focus on addressing the menace, while encouraging parents and community leaders to actively engage with children and provide guidance.

The consultative meeting was organised by ADC, Jalukie, T.L. Kiusumong Tikhir with an aim to engage civil society leaders and stakeholders in finding effective measures to tackle drugs and alcohol menace in Jalukie sub-division.

Addressing the gathering, Tikhir stressed on the need for active participation of civil society to eradicate drug abuse in the area.