Conrad Sangma Declares War on Drugs in Meghalaya: A Pressing Situation
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Shillong, Dec 17 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, declared on Tuesday that the state government is actively fighting against drug use as the circumstances have become quite concerning in this hilly state.
During the inauguration of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Police Station at the Meghalaya Police Radio Organisation Training School in Shillong, he was joined by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh.
Conrad Sangma stated, “The government is in a battle against drugs, as the situation is alarming and severely affecting society, particularly the youth.”
He emphasized that the government is taking the matter seriously and has initiated collaborative efforts across various departments to tackle the drug crisis.
“Different departments are working together to combat the challenges posed by drugs, aiming to disrupt the supply chain, distribution networks, health issues, social implications, and overall rehabilitation,” the Chief Minister noted.
This police station will serve as the central hub for overseeing and coordinating police activities, staffed by a Superintendent of Police (ANTF), Additional Superintendent of Police/Deputy Superintendent of Police, Inspectors, and Sub-Inspectors.
Sangma further mentioned that the involved departments are being reorganized to effectively address this issue and adopt a humanitarian approach towards those affected.
He expressed hope that the ANTF would become a crucial component of the government’s law enforcement strategy in the ongoing fight against drugs.
The Chief Minister also called upon the community to collaborate with the government in this battle against drug abuse and play a crucial role in the overall strategy to triumph over this challenge.
Additionally, Sangma attended the launch of research projects initiated by the Research and Development Committee of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
This initiative, funded by the Chief Minister’s grant, aims to foster research in Khasi tradition and culture, with a total of Rs. 50 lakh allocated to KHADC for the project.
On this occasion, the CM unveiled books regarding Khasi tradition and culture, authored by various researchers.
Sangma remarked that preserving traditional knowledge and practices is essential for future generations, and such wisdom should be utilized to address various global challenges.
“Our rich traditions and practices must be upheld. Our ancestral knowledge can be instrumental in finding solutions to emerging issues, particularly in environmental conservation,” he added.
During the event, books covering topics like governance in the environment through traditional practices, traditional medicine and healing, promoting health tourism, matrilineal culture, and marriage practices in Khasi culture were launched.
Sangma praised the researchers and suggested that these books should be made available in colleges and universities.
Moreover, the Chief Minister mentioned that he would approach the Union Education Minister to request that some of these books be included in the libraries of central universities to facilitate a better understanding of tribal societies.
