KOHIMA: Ahead of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, alarming statistics have surfaced regarding substance abuse in the state.
According to the 2021 Survey report by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, Nagaland has an estimated 6,24,000 substance users, with 1,11,000 being children and 26,000 females.
This was revealed during the launch of the “Online competition on substance abuse prevention” in Kohima on Monday.
Tosheli Zhimomi, Director of the Department of Social Welfare, highlighted the urgent need for collective action to combat this pressing issue.
“We must all play our role effectively and collectively to curb the menace of substance abuse in our society,” said Zhimomi.
Zhimomi highlighted the widespread impact of substance abuse across Nagaland, affecting every corner of the state and claiming hundreds of young victims.
She, however, underscored the Department’s commitment to implementing various programmes aimed at reducing demand for substances.
Wango Langsym, Deputy Director of the Department, echoed these concerns, describing substance abuse as a serious issue requiring concerted efforts.
He outlined the Department’s initiatives targeting different age groups and stressed on the importance of prevention in line with this year’s theme for the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking – “The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention.”
Despite the significance of the day, Langsym noted that the department will not observe it due to concurrent ULB (Urban Local Bodies) elections in Nagaland on June 26.
However, he affirmed the department’s dedication to investing in primary prevention through initiatives like the “Online competition on substance abuse prevention.”
In line with the state government’s declaration of a “War on Drugs”, the Department has been proactive in spreading awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse through various outreach programs across Nagaland.
