Aizwal: In India, about 0.7 % of the population is affected by drugs. Mizoram ranks the highest among the states in consumption of drugs in terms of percentage of population affected. In the recent survey conducted by the social welfare department, the highest number of respondents was recorded in Aizawl with 27.8 % of the total drug users and Lawngtlai recorded the least at 5.9%. With the launch of 'A War Against Drugs', the campaign against drugs consumption, the Assam Rifles have seized a large amount of drugs on January 7, 16, 18, 21, 27 and 29. The seized drugs amounted to 1,219 grams worth Rs 4,87,24,000.
Since 1984, Mizoram has been witnessing 1630 drug abuse deaths including 131 women. In 2020, 50 deaths were reported and many were sent to rehabilitation centres. Assam Rifles being the ‘sentinels of North East’ has always been active and loud against the odds of society. On January 2, 2021, Aizawl Battalion of Assam Rifles kick-started the anti-drug campaign with the conduct of the first phase with pledge ceremony at the battalion headquarters.
The second phase started on January 15, 2021, with a massive signature campaign by the various dignitaries and youth from various fronts. To send the anti-drug message to the larger mass, an array of programs like musical performances based on the anti-drug theme, an anti-drug skit and open house discussion on drug menace were conducted during the event.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of 23 Sector Assam Rifles delivered the inaugural address. Home Minister of Mizoram Lalchamliana also explained the various measures taken by the Government to eradicate usage of drugs among people.
The second phase of the massive anti-drug drive culminated with flagging off of an anti-drug roadshow. The roadshow was also carried out in remote border villages like Hnahlan, New Vaikhawtlang, Kawlbem, Mimbug and Ngopa.
The third phase of the campaign would be aimed at driving media attention to spread the anti-drug message to various part of the state including remote villages in border areas.
In the fourth phase, students and youth of Mizoram would be focussed, lectures and interactive sessions would be organized in various schools/colleges across all districts post opening up of educational institutes.
'War against drugs campaign' is supported by various NGOs including 'Foundation for drug-free Mizoram' and 'Mizo reform movement'.The campaign is set to achieve a range of goals that include reduction of drug-related crime and violence, reduction of drug-related health problems, educating and enabling Mizoram youths to reject the drugs in any form and encourage occasional users to discontinue its use forever thereby achieving the penultimate aim of drugs free Mizoram.
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