MUF has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the deaths and the alleged inhumane practices. The forum has urged the Chief Minister to ensure accountability by penalizing those responsible
TFM Report
The tragic deaths of two young men from Meghalaya have triggered widespread alarm and an urgent appeal for action by the Meghalaya Users’ Forum (MUF). Both the deceased, who sought treatment for drug dependency, reportedly died under suspicious circumstances at rehabilitation facilities allegedly linked to two centres in Assam’s Mangaldai and Guwahati, says MUF.
In a representation to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, MUF alleges that the two deaths, reported on November 19 and November 20, respectively, were mishandled, with one of the bodies returned to the family without any post-mortem examination or involvement from law enforcement.
Allegations of Abuse and Inhumane Practices
The MUF’s representation to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma highlights alarming reports of severe physical abuse and mistreatment at these centres. Survivors of these facilities have spoken out, recounting harrowing experiences of beatings and maltreatment. These accounts have been corroborated by media investigations and collaboration with the Association of Drug Rehabilitation Centres and Assam’s State Anti-Drug and Prohibition Council, alleged MUF.
On November 25, a rescue operation led by these groups reportedly freed over 200 drug users from these facilities. Survivors’ testimonies, widely circulated in the media, depict appalling conditions, prompting calls for urgent government action.
Call for Justice and Reforms
MUF has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the deaths and the alleged inhumane practices. The forum has urged the Chief Minister to ensure accountability by penalizing those responsible, including those who were running the centres and their associates. They also emphasized the need for stronger oversight mechanisms for rehabilitation centres in Meghalaya and Assam to safeguard human rights and prevent further abuse.
Among their key demands are:
- A thorough investigation into the deaths of the two.
- Legal action against those involved in abusive practices.
- Implementation of strict monitoring of rehabilitation centres.
- An end to community vigilantism that violates the rights of individuals with substance use disorders.
MUF’s Stand on Rehabilitation
While advocating for rehabilitation as a critical pathway to recovery, MUF has condemned the exploitation and abuse of vulnerable individuals in the name of treatment. “Such centres undermine the purpose of rehabilitation and pose a severe threat to the dignity and lives of those seeking help,” the forum stated.
The Meghalaya government has yet to respond to MUF’s memorandum, but public pressure is mounting for swift action to ensure justice for the victims and to reform the region’s drug rehabilitation landscape.
As families mourn the loss of their loved ones, activists and communities continue to call for accountability and systemic changes to protect the rights and dignity of those seeking treatment.