SHILLONG: The Jaintia Students Union (JSU) has urged the government to address the rising menace of drug abuse in the region and set up a de-addiction centre for the youth battling the peril in the East Jaintia Hills district.
Stating that the district has been reeling under drug menace for a long time, the students’ body, through a letter addressed to the Social Welfare Ministry on Thursday, requested the department to make the rehabilitation centre affordable to underprivileged families.
“The issue of drug addiction is not new in East Jaintia Hills district. However, with time, our district has emerged as a hotspot for drug users in the state. The concerning trend reveals a rising number of teenage drug addicts,” said Livingson Sama, president of JSU.
Attributing academic and performance pressures as key factors, Sama, in the letter, said that heightened anxiety for a secure career and increased competition in education and sports have contribute to this rise in drug usage among the youth.
“So, to address this issue, the JSU requests the setting of a drug addiction rehabilitation centre in the district, ensuring convenience for underprivileged families,” he added.
Earlier in October, the Social Welfare Department had proposed the establishment of new rehabilitation and de-addiction centres in the state.
During a meeting with the Shillong All Faiths Forum (SAFF), Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh had informed that the government is looking to open 10 rehabilitation centres in the state by March 2024.
Detailing the government’s upcoming plans to combat the menace, he had also informed that a calendar of events is in place to spread awareness about the peril.
By December 5, the state will see a series of seminars and awareness programmes involving students, resource persons from social welfare, law enforcement, and religious leaders, to educate and raise awareness about the detrimental effects of drug abuse, he had said.
