Governor Highlights Rising Drug Trafficking and Abuse in Mizoram
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Synopsis
Mizoram's Governor, General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), has raised alarms regarding the critical rise of drug trafficking and abuse in the state, underscoring the government's proactive measures to combat this escalating issue. Key initiatives include numerous arrests, enhanced police patrols, and support programs aimed at economic development.
Key Takeaways
- 600 drug traffickers apprehended in 2024-25.
- 429.116 kg of narcotics seized since April.
- Excise and Narcotics stations opened in 3 districts.
- New schemes launched for entrepreneurial support.
- Tourism growth reported with over 2 lakh visitors.
Aizawl, Feb 19 (NationPress) The Governor of Mizoram, General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), emphasized on Wednesday that the issue of drug trafficking and drug abuse has reached alarming levels and poses significant concerns for the state government. In his traditional address on the opening day of the Budget session of the Mizoram Assembly, the Governor stated that the Excise and Narcotics Department is making extensive efforts to combat these drug-related issues. Over the current financial year (2024-25), authorities have apprehended and prosecuted 600 drug traffickers, including 37 individuals from foreign countries, and registered 441 cases under the NDPS Act 1985.
Since April of the previous year, a total of 429.116 kg of various illicit drugs have been confiscated. The Governor also reported that 4,364 people were arrested for breaching the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act, 2019, with 4,862 cases logged.
To enhance the fight against drug-related challenges, Excise and Narcotics stations have been established in three districts: Khawzawl, Hnahthial, and Saitual. General Singh (Retd) informed the House that to secure the international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh from anti-national activities, the Mizoram Police, in partnership with Assam Rifles and the Border Security Force (BSF), is conducting patrols in those regions.
The Police Department has improved police infrastructure and resources, including housing for officers at all levels. The Governor highlighted that the state government's flagship initiative, the 'Mizoram Bana Kaih (Handholding) Scheme', was launched on September 19 of the previous year to offer financial aid and support to entrepreneurs and farmers throughout the state, aiming to foster inclusive economic growth and self-reliance.
The primary goal of this scheme is to assist in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and to fulfill the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he articulated.
The Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming System (FOCUS) Project is underway to enhance the agricultural income of 55,000 households through climate-resilient agricultural practices in six districts: Champhai, Mamit, Serchhip, Kolasib, Khawzawl, and Saitual. Of the targeted 2,500 hectares for the 2024-2025 period under the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-Oil Palm), 1,734 hectares have already been covered in Kolasib, Mamit, Lunglei, Lawngtlai, and Serchhip Districts.
The Governor reported that during the fiscal year 2023-24, Mizoram welcomed 2,19,114 tourists, including 2,15,230 from within the country and 3,884 from abroad. To promote tourism and local products, the 'PM Ekta Mall' will be constructed at Chawnpui in Aizawl, aimed at enhancing the visibility of local goods, encouraging economic self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), and fostering national unity while celebrating India's cultural diversity.
The state government remains dedicated to ensuring high-quality education at all levels under improved learning conditions, he stated. The Budget session of the Mizoram Assembly is set to continue until March 20.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who also oversees the finance portfolio, is scheduled to present the annual budget for the financial year 2025-2026 on March 4. An assembly official mentioned that three bills, including one aimed at establishing a state university, will be introduced during the Budget session.
