A Drug Trafficking and Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign Programme was held at the Conference Hall of Police Baptist Church, Wokha on Friday with the aim of sensitising students and the public on the dangers of drug abuse, drug trafficking and tobacco consumption.
The programme was organised by DEF Wokha/ANTF Wokha in collaboration with Wokha District Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, District AIDS and Prevention Control Unit and District Tobacco Control Unit.
A total of 80 participants, comprising 65 students and 15 other members, attended the awareness programme. Students from Santsuo School, Wokha and Unit Regimental School, DEF Wokha participated in the programme.
Speaking on drug trafficking and substance abuse, Biren Lotha (NPS), Additional SP Wokha and Nodal Officer, ANTF Wokha highlighted issues relating to drug trafficking, substance abuse, major drug hotspots and inter-state movement of drugs. He emphasised the need for greater awareness and vigilance among students and the community to prevent the spread of drug-related activities.
C James Ezung, District Welfare Officer, Wokha, spoke on the different types of drugs, their effects and the meaning of drug abuse and intoxication. He encouraged students to share their problems with trusted elders and seek help when facing difficulties. He also stressed the message of “Refuse, Resist and Report” as an important approach towards preventing drug abuse.
Speaking on the harmful effects of tobacco, Tshopeu Khutsoh, Psychologist (NTCP), DH Wokha, explained what tobacco is made of and discussed the two broad forms of tobacco use—smoking and smokeless tobacco. She stated that there are around 274 million tobacco users in the world, adding that India is among the major tobacco-producing countries globally.
She highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, including its association with oral cancer and other serious health consequences. She also sensitised the students about the prohibition of the sale and purchase of tobacco products by persons below 18 years of age, and the restriction on the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions.
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The students were also informed about the availability of free treatment for tobacco users at Dr Motsuo Memorial Hospital, Wokha, encouraging those struggling with tobacco dependence to seek professional assistance.
An interactive session with the students was also conducted during the programme, allowing participants to raise questions and interact with the resource persons.
During the interaction, Additional SP Wokha, Biren Lotha also highlighted the importance of cleanliness, personal hygiene and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, encouraging the students to develop good habits and lead disciplined and healthy lives.
The programme was chaired by Richard Lotha, Assistant Teacher, URS DEF Wokha while Kuhlhi Khape, OC, Police Station Wokha, proposed the vote of thanks.
As part of the programme, on-the-spot medical testing for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis was also conducted.
