The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), along with District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) across the state, observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday by organizing a series of legal awareness programmes aimed at combating substance abuse, promoting rehabilitation, and strengthening access to free legal aid.
At Tetso College, Dimapur, NSLSA, in collaboration with the Dimapur DLSA, organized a legal awareness programme where Member Secretary, NSLSA, Neiko Akami, urged students to stay away from substance abuse, warning that drug addiction affects not only individuals but society as a whole. He highlighted the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and disclosed that Nagaland Police had registered 766 NDPS cases over the past four years up to June 2026. Akami also encouraged eligible citizens to avail free legal aid through the Legal Services Authorities.
Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary, DDLSA, Atoka Achumi, explained the principles of the criminal justice system, emphasizing the presumption of innocence until guilt is proven. He noted that under the NDPS Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the burden of proof shifts to the accused and cautioned students against violating these stringent laws.
Panel Lawyer Zuchumpeni Ngullie introduced the NALSA DAWN (Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation for a Drug-Free India) Scheme, 2025, while Retainer Lawyer Sonile Seb highlighted the role of Legal Services Authorities in providing free legal aid. The programme also featured a video presentation on the DAWN Scheme, a special performance by Tetso College students, and an interactive session.
District-wide observances
Similar programmes were held across Nagaland by various District Legal Services Authorities in collaboration with district administrations, health departments, educational institutions, and civil society organisations.
In Zunheboto, District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairman, ZDLSA, Phuleto Yeptho stressed that World Drug Day is a message of hope through prevention, awareness, education, and rehabilitation. He also called for the establishment of a de-addiction and rehabilitation centre in the district.
Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj, IAS, said drug abuse affects entire communities and warned about the growing availability of dangerous synthetic drugs. He highlighted the Government of India’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan as a key initiative in tackling substance abuse.
The Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) conducted an awareness programme at Tsosinyu Village, focusing on the NALSA Scheme on Access to Justice for Victims of Human-Wildlife Conflict, 2025. Judicial Magistrate First Class B. Tsaliba Sangtam explained the objectives of the Legal Services Authorities Act and various NALSA schemes, while Retainer Lawyer Sunjib Rana detailed legal remedies and compensation available to victims of human-wildlife conflict.
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In Tuensang, the DLSA organized a legal awareness programme at Chingmei Village, where speakers explained the harmful effects of drug abuse, provisions of the NDPS Act, and free legal services available through the Legal Services Authority. Village leaders, church representatives, and students actively participated in the programme.
The Phek District Legal Services Authority observed the day with students from Phek Government College, St. Joseph College, and Tetso College. Retainer Lawyer Sekhotso Rokha discussed the NALSA DAWN Scheme and legal consequences of drug abuse, while Panel Lawyer Thukutalu Chizo sensitized participants on child protection laws under the POCSO Act and the Juvenile Justice Act. The programme concluded with the distribution of internship completion certificates.
At Mon, the District Legal Services Authority organized a legal awareness programme at the District Court Complex. District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairman Nokshei Kano emphasized the devastating impact of drug addiction on individuals and society and encouraged participants to support rehabilitation efforts. A video on the NALSA DAWN Scheme was screened, and the authority later joined the district-level Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan programme with various government departments and stakeholders.
The Kiphire DLSA, in collaboration with the District Executive Force (DEF), organized an awareness programme at the Superintendent of Police Conference Hall. SDPO Sentiwapang explained key provisions of the NDPS Act, while legal experts highlighted the DAWN Scheme, the NALSA helpline (15100), and the importance of community participation involving ward councils, churches, and NGOs in preventing drug abuse.
In Wokha, the DLSA, together with the District Administration, Social Welfare Department, NSACS, Samagra Shiksha, and the National Health Mission, organized a bike rally under the theme “Ride Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking: Step Up for a Drug-Free Future,” followed by awareness programmes at Government Higher Secondary School, Chukitong. Legal experts also created awareness on the NALSA DAWN Scheme, HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, and available legal helplines.
The Peren District Legal Services Authority observed the day at Emerald Hall, Peren Town, with sessions on the Legal Services Authorities Act, HIV & AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, NDPS Act, and the NALSA DAWN Scheme. Officials also highlighted the benefits of Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) in supporting recovery and reducing health risks. The programme concluded with a screening of the DAWN Scheme film and a pledge by participants to “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life.”
