How successful is Mizoram in curbing the drug supply chain?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mizoram has made significant progress in reducing the drug supply chain.
- The drug trafficking issue remains a major challenge.
- Collaboration with the Central government is essential for further advancements.
- Modernization of police forces is underway with new funding.
- The establishment of the Directorate of Prosecution is a key initiative.
Aizawl, Dec 19 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma, announced on Friday that the state has made considerable strides in reducing the drug supply chain. However, the total elimination of this issue remains a significant hurdle.
The Mizoram State Level Police Conference took place on Friday at the Police Headquarters in Khatla, focusing on the analysis of the outcomes from the 60th National Level DGP/IGP Conference held in November in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During his address, the Chief Minister praised the accomplishments of the Mizoram Police over the past two years, crediting their unwavering commitment for a notable decline in drug abuse.
“Although complete eradication is challenging,” he stated, noting that the drug supply chain has been effectively minimized.
The Chin state of Myanmar serves as a significant center for the smuggling of various drugs, foreign cigarettes, exotic wildlife, and other illicit goods through six districts of Mizoram: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip. Mizoram shares a 510 km unfenced border with Myanmar. Lalduhoma expressed appreciation for the police and their collaborators for their successful interventions against the trafficking of Myanmarese arecanut (betel nut), resulting in record-high local market prices for Mizoram's arecanut produce.
The national-level DGP/IGP Conference had devised 107 recommendations aimed at enhancing and modernizing policing across India.
The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction that many of these recommendations are already being enacted in Mizoram.
He mentioned ongoing efforts to implement additional recommendations, emphasizing the necessity for support from the Central government. Mizoram has received ₹3.18 crore under the Police Modernisation Scheme, with an additional ₹21.276 crore approved.
“With this funding, we will acquire several critical police assets, including three bulletproof vehicles,” the Chief Minister said, specifically acknowledging the efforts of Sharad Agarwal, the Mizoram Director General of Police, in obtaining these funds.
The Chief Minister also underscored the state government's wider vision for police modernization. A significant initiative includes the notification for the creation of the Directorate of Prosecution, as mandated by the recently enacted BNSS Act, 2023.
He noted that while some recommendations from the National Police Conference can be swiftly implemented, others will need to be prioritized according to the state’s financial capabilities.
Home Minister K. Sapdanga, in his remarks, highlighted that policing extends beyond merely punishing offenders; it fundamentally aims to ensure public safety and social cohesion. He mentioned that while traditional crime forms are monitored, police must also be equipped to handle emerging challenges.
Sapdanga commended the commendable efforts of the Mizoram Police.
During the conference, DGP Sharad Agarwal delivered an in-depth presentation on the recommendations from the National Conference.
He emphasized that the National Police Conference has outlined a strategic roadmap consistent with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on internal security, effective utilization of modern policing technologies, improved disaster management preparedness, enhanced technological measures for women’s safety, and readiness to confront evolving geopolitical challenges.
The DGP also detailed the various requirements of the Mizoram Police Department for the successful execution of these recommendations.
The meeting included participation from Vanlalmawia, Home Secretary, senior officials from Central and state security agencies active in Mizoram, and other relevant officers. Superintendents of Police from all 11 districts participated in the conference via online means.