With the rise of Drug Menace in the district, Tchüphyangza Baptist Church Youth Department, Wokha conducted a Marathon Race and Seminar on 22 July 2023 to raise awareness on drug abuse under the theme “Run Out Drugs”. The marathon race started at 5:00 am from NST colony to Forest Colony Wokha with 170 youth participants.

Later in the seminar, the main speaker, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Wokha, Sangthing Khiamniungan explained what ‘drugs’ is, rise in its abuse, its effects, salient features of NDPS Act, 1985, causes of drug abuse and ways/ means to prevent drug abuse. He asserted that the negative aspects have overpowered the present youths and that 20-25 percent of mental cases in Nagaland are related directly with substance abuse.

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The SDPO also mentioned stress/ anxiety, easy availability of drugs at low cost also plays a big role in rise of drug abuse. He added that parental education plays a vital role in educating the uses drugs to the children. Quoting Donald Frost – “Drugs take you to hell, disguised as Heaven”, Khiamniungan advised one to learn saying ‘NO’.

He further added that stressed the vital role that churches play in spreading awareness through their platforms. He also encouraged as well as challenged the participants to be united in the fight against drug abuse.

The menace of drug is very deep, the run maybe long but if we start the fight from here together not wait for tomorrow, we will surely overcome it, he added.

Additional SP, K Soriso in his short exhortation urged all the youths to have clear vision like an eagle and encouraged them to be “good influence” on others. He also emphasized that all organizations should come together, join hands to work together to fight the drug menace in order make the district become drug free.

“Don’t take pledge for yourself but do it for everyone around you”, Soriso appealed.

Prizes were presented to the winners of the Marathon race by SDPO Sangthing Khiamniungan and Addl SP, K Soriso. The winners were rewarded cash prize and certificate.

Winners of ‘Run Out Drugs’ marathon

Male category: 1st Position – Renthungo Tsanglao, 2nd Position – Athungo Humtsoe and 3rd Position – Myanthung Murry

Female category: 1st position – Lichumbeni Kithan, 2nd position – Chibeni Shitiri and 3rd position – Wonchibeni Humtsoe