A State level seminar on “Substance abuse in Nagaland and it’s impact on Women” was held today at Capital Convention Centre organised by the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) and supported by National Commission for Women (NCW).
The rise of women drug peddlers has increased, said Special Guest Rupin Sharma, Nagaland DGP, because of the lenient checking on them, advising women to be aware of the men who are misusing them for their own benefit.
While speaking on the increasing drug problem in the State, Sharma requested the Civil societies and village officials not to take law into their own hands. “Anyone who take money or fines in the name of law will be considered an extortion. One should not keep anyone in custody without proper law enforcement as it will considered as kidnapping,” said Sharma.
Assuring that the Police Department is trying its best to get into the root of drug problem and substance abuse, Sharma reminded that the severity of the punishment is the same for all.
Another cause of concern that Sharma put across was the easy target of drug peddlers in educational institutions which he claimed, is a Red area. Requesting schools not to hide mistakes and bad habits, Sharma said,”We should practise self disclosure and the schools can help an abuser by reporting them to the concern authority and help them. We will not take any legal action if one self disclose their addiction and sought for help,” assured Sharma.
Stating that Rehab and Detox facilities in the State are minimal, Sharma suggested the need to bring in more qualitative facilities.
“Workshops do not help if we don’t translate them into action. Synchronisation is missing among the stakeholders and departments in fighting this war against drugs and substance abuse,” stated the DGP, encouraging everyone to start joining hands to succeed in making Nagaland a drug free state.
In her address, NSCW W.Nginyeih Konyak mentioned that substance abuse and rampant illegal usage of drugs and alcohol has had a negative impact on all sections of the population. “The nature of these intoxicants being peddled and the causes for which people, especially the women and the youth, have started to use it in large numbers. Drug abuse has become the most common thing these days and many of our youths are ruining the lives and putting their future in a great darkness,” said Konyak.
“Currently, it is reported that there is resurgence of drug use in Nagaland attributed to ‘sunflower’ also known as “SF” which is considered as one of the cheapest forms of heroin (opiates) and is being commonly used by many young people.
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Referring to the resurgence of drug use in Nagaland attributed to the Sunflower drug, Konyak expressed concern over the growing challenge to address this pertinent issue with more inclusive intervention strategies for prevention, treatment, and social re-integration.
“Substance abuse has societal repercussions and women are one of the vulnerable groups. They face unique challenges and risks as women are both affected and afflicted by it. There is an issue of substance abuse by women in one hand and burden felt by women as a result of drug abuse by someone in the family. There is a strong co-relation between substance abuse and gender-based violence, particularly Domestic Violence. This also creates a vicious cycle of trauma and substance misuse among women,” stated Konyak.
Konyak also asserted the growing need to address substance abuse among women. “There are younger women who take alcohol to overcome the domestic violence or family pressure and gradually become addicted to other substances including drugs. Many women in distress start using drugs and alcohol due to loneliness, depression, and inability to cope up with life-problems. Women are also often found to be drug peddlers. Women are confronted with added stigma and discrimination which deters them from seeking help as it is viewed as moral failing. Thus, women are disproportionately impacted due to various socio-economic and cultural factors,” stated Konyak.
One of the key objectives of the State level workshop is to have a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and specific impact of substance abuse on women which is a maior social concern. A collaborative effort from all stakeholders is required to mitigate substance abuse to improve the well-being of citizens in general and women in particular.
