Mokokchung Battalion, under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North), organized an Anti-Drug Campaign at the Town Hall in Mokokchung on 21st November 2023, with Hikali Achumi, Miss Nagaland 2022, as the special guest. The event is part of the Assam Rifles’ initiative to widen anti-drug awareness in the state.
Hikali Achumi, reigning Miss Nagaland, emphasized the gravity of drug abuse, stating, “Nobody in this world wants to become addicted, and nobody tastes drugs to become an addict.” She highlighted the role of social media in influencing the younger generation and cautioned against the powerful impact of ‘sunflower drugs’, urging proper study.
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Addressing the reasons people turn to drugs, Achumi pointed out, “Among many reasons are due to one’s friends through social media, and financial issues are also one reason while starting up a business in this sector.”
(PC: Sentilong Longkumer)
Achumi acknowledged the initiative of Mokokchung Town Baptist Church (MTBA) for organizing the first ever ‘Detoxification Camp for drug users’ in 2011 in collaboration with KRIPA foundation and commended the recent efforts by churches, NGOs, and civil societies in combating drug abuse. She stressed the collective responsibility, stating, “Addiction is not a punishment but a disease which needs proper treatment and care.”
Expressing optimism about the Nagaland State Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Policy 2020, Achumi hoped for its effective implementation and encouraged proper mental treatment and support for drug addicts. The reigning Miss Nagaland conveyed a message to those struggling with addiction, saying, “You are not alone,” and inspired students, stating, “When your courage is tested, no one can destroy you unless it’s you, and the country needs you.”
In a short speech, SP Mokokchung acknowledged the severity of drug abuse in Nagaland, citing it as a transit route for drugs. He emphasized, “Drug abuse is a threat that robs individuals of their potentials and affects families, society, and the state.” Highlighting the police’s efforts, he revealed, “In the last 10 months from January 2023, Nagaland Police seized drugs worth 80 crore rupees while Mokokchung Police has registered 30 cases with 70 individuals arrested for drug peddling.”
SP Mokokchung called for collaborative efforts, stating, “Fight against Drugs is not only a problem for law enforcing agencies and the government but a collaborative endeavour.” He urged individuals to join hands to eradicate drug peddlers in Mokokchung.
Chumlamo Humtsoe, ADC Mokokchung, appealed to church leaders, civil societies, and NGOs to support recovery efforts, urging everyone to come together in eradicating the drug problem.
The event featured an Anti-Drug Abuse documentary by Dr. Temsumenla Longkumer, SMO, ART Centre, IMDH. Various performances and speeches were part of the program, attended by students, dignitaries, civil societies, and organizations like Watsü Mungdang, AO Students’ Conference (AKM), and Ongpangkong Student’s Union (OKM).
