Ampati, June 26: Citizens of South West Garo Hills came together at Ampati’s Multi Facility Centre, on Thursday, to unitedly fight against drug abuse and illegal trafficking while observing the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illegal Trafficking.
Under the theme “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All,” the event was jointly organized by the Department of Social Welfare, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), and the District Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women.
Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak attended the event as chief guest, alongside Sengrikchi N. Marak, Additional Superintendent of Police, as Guest of Honour.
Deputy Commissioner Nayak described drug and alcohol abuse as a community-wide challenge, not just a personal or household issue. She highlighted the district’s vulnerability due to its proximity to Assam and Bangladesh, which makes it a hotspot for illegal trafficking routes. “We must understand the local drug supply chain and take collective responsibility to curb this menace,” she urged, rallying attendees to support the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Drug-Free India Campaign). She called on students and community leaders to champion drug prevention initiatives to build a safer, drug-free society.
Additional Superintendent of Police S.N. Marak echoed the urgency, emphasizing the ripple effects of drug abuse. “It’s not just about the user’s health—it fuels crime and threatens societal safety,” she said, advocating for early community intervention to prevent addiction and its consequences.
The event saw over 130 participants, including village representatives, NGOs, Self-Help Groups, Anganwadi workers, ASHAs, Nokmas, Village Executive Committee secretaries, teachers, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan volunteers, religious leaders, and local residents.
A mass signature campaign became a highlight, with the Deputy Commissioner leading attendees in a symbolic pledge to stand united against drug abuse.
Earlier, the program began with a warm welcome by Z.R. Marak, District Social Welfare Officer, who led a pledge-taking ceremony, setting the tone for collective action. Legal insights came from T.M. Sangma, Public Prosecutor, DLSA, who outlined the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1988, and the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking Act. He warned that both users and traffickers face prosecution and noted the alarming rise of substances like ganja and heroin in the region.
Leni Dokatchi B. Marak, Clinical Psychologist from Ampati Civil Hospital, shed light on the psychological and physiological toll of addiction. Citing triggers like peer pressure, emotional distress, and curiosity among youth, she stressed the importance of building emotional resilience and raising awareness to combat dependency.
In line with directives from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, over 247 schools across South West Garo Hills joined the fight by conducting pledge-taking ceremonies, amplifying the message of a drug-free future.
