Dignitaries and others during International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Kohima on June 26.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | Jun 27
MLA Dr Tseilhoutuo (Ato) Rhutso on Friday said substance abuse is draining hundreds of crores of rupees from Nagaland's economy and stressed that while governments and families can provide support, overcoming addiction ultimately depends on personal choice and responsibility.
Speaking as the special guest at the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the Red Cross Complex Conference Hall in Kohima, Dr Rhutso expressed concern over the declining participation of youth in agriculture, churches and community leadership.
He said society often displays a high “sense of right” but a low “sense of responsibility,” and urged individuals struggling with addiction not to hesitate in seeking rehabilitation, assuring that the government maintains strict confidentiality for those seeking treatment or reporting drug trafficking.
The programme was jointly organised by the Kripa Foundation Nagaland and the Nagaland Users Network (NUN) with support from the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment under the global theme, “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
Speaking on the significance of the day, NUN General Secretary Neiba Kesiezi warned that the emergence of the highly addictive synthetic drug locally known as “Sunflower” has intensified the drug crisis in Nagaland. He said the fight against addiction cannot be left to the government and police alone, urging families and communities to support users instead of ostracising them.
Recovery life speakers Kato Kiba and Kedusu shared their personal experiences of overcoming addiction and highlighted the importance of medical treatment, counselling and community support.
Kiba argued that imprisonment is not an effective solution for substance abuse and called for proper detoxification and rehabilitation, while Kedusu encouraged those battling addiction by sharing his successful recovery journey.
Talking on medical perspective, Dr M Nukshinsangla Jamir, Joint Director (BDS) NSACS, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, said that while security agencies continue to intercept drug trafficking along border routes, demand reduction through sustained awareness and early intervention remains the most effective long-term strategy.
Guest speaker and Padma Shri awardee Neidonuo Angami, former president of the Naga Mothers' Association (NMA), recalled the organisation's pioneering anti-drug movement and emphasised that churches, families and community institutions remain central to rehabilitation and prevention efforts.
The programme was chaired by Vikholie Yiese while Chanbeni Kikon delivered welcome address.
Vote of thanks was proposed by Meghraj Lama. The programme concluded with participants taking a pledge to work towards a drug-free Kohima.
