The idea of setting up counselling centres was aimed at helping drug users by giving moral, mental and spiritual support and imposing a regulation in all areas of restriction against plantation of poppy and marijuana
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
Various organisations and participants at a consultation programme on drugs abuse and action plan to help drug users in Kamjong district have resolved to work against cross-border smuggling of drugs and decided to issue directives to all during festivals, celebrations, sports meet, social gatherings etc., so as to set up counselling centres by churches to help vulnerable youths.
These resolutions were adopted at the consultation programme held in Kamjong district headquarters on May 10 at Kamjong Baptist Church. The programme was initiated by Ukhrul Town Baptist Churches Forum in partnership with Kamjong Baptist Churches.
The idea of setting up counselling centres was aimed at helping drug users by giving moral, mental and spiritual support, organizing camps, awareness programmes and seminars by various organizations and lastly the need to impose a regulation in all villages in the area of restriction against plantation of poppy and marijuana.
93 persons including the president and colleagues of Tangkhul Naga Long, the president and colleagues of Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long, executive members representing Tangkhul Shanao Long, leaders of Kamjong based civil society organizations, village headmen of the area, church pastors, women and youth leaders of Kamjong villages, and representatives from NGOs; FXB India Suraksha, CARE had a long deliberation on the rampant and increasing use of intoxicating drugs in Kamjong area.
The meeting also unanimously resolved to take active part in war on drugs declared by the state government in two ways, firstly by helping people who have become drug users by initiating detoxification and providing rehabilitation facilities. Secondly, by spreading awareness on drug abuse to all the parents and vulnerable children and adolescents of the district. To fulfil this plan of action, a committee will be formed with leaders of Raizan Long, Kamjong Shanao Long, Kamjong Katamnao Long, village headmen, pastors and leaders of the churches.
To fulfil this initiative, Rev Remember Rimai, Chairman of Ukhrul Town Baptist Churches Forum appealed to all stakeholders and individuals to take the responsibility of this humongous task. He informed that this was the fourth such programmes held in recent times. Similar programmes were organized in Ukhrul mission ground, Bumrei Baptist church, Union Baptist church Ukhrul. There will be more such consultations in Yanganpokpi area, Kasom block headquarters, Kachai area, Nongdam area, Laikoiching area, Awang kasom area where drugs abuse are said to be rampant.