A Training Programme cum Sensitization Programme for Village Defence Party (VDP) members under the theme “Ghar Ghar Mein Nyay Ki Jagriti” was held today at Shnongrim Village. The programme was organised by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), East Jaintia Hills District in collaboration with the offices of the Superintendent of Police, the District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO), East Jaintia Hills District and DAWN (Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation) Unit, East Jaintia Hills District.
The programme was attended by Medical Officer In-charge Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Centre, Khliehriat, Dr. J. Nongtdu, Sub-Inspector (SI) of Umpleng Outpost, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri D. DWarjri, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, DLSA, East Jaintia Hills District, Smti.K. Challam,Psychiatric Social Worker, East Jaintia Hills,Smti.Thaiwan Kyndiah, officials from DLSA, DM&HO staffs, village headmen, VDP members and others.
Medical Officer In-chargeOpioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Centre, Khliehriat, Dr. J. Nongtduspoke about the medical and psychological aspects of drug addiction. He explained that addiction occurs when individuals continue to use substances despite knowing the harmful effects. He elaborated that drugs disrupt the body’s neurotransmitters, causing temporary feelings of euphoria followed by severe negative consequences, including physical illness, impaired judgment, behavioural changes, and sleep deprivation. He also explained that addiction typically progresses from experimental use to occasional use, regular consumption, and eventually chronic dependence.
Dr. Nongtdu pointed out that early warning signs of drug abuse include aggression, behavioural changes, lack of personal hygiene, withdrawal from family and friends, and increased demand for money. He urged parents and community members to identify these signs early to prevent further deterioration. He also outlined strategies for addressing drug abuse, including supply reduction, demand reduction through awareness, and harm reduction initiatives such as Needle Syringe Exchange Programmes (NSEP), Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Centresand Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centres to manage diseases like HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, DLSA, East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. K. Challamexplained the objectives of the DAWN Scheme, which focuses on assisting individuals affected by drug addiction through counselling, rehabilitation and skill development. She stated that the scheme is specifically designed to help drug users recover and reintegrate into society. He urged village leaders and community members to set examples for others and to show empathy towards drug victims rather than discriminating against them. She informed that the scheme provides support such as counselling and skill training in trades like carpentry, automobile repair, beautician courses and tailoring, particularly for victims affected by substance abuse.
Smti. Challam further highlighted that drug victims also have fundamental rights, including the right to legal representation, and emphasized that everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty in the eyes of the law. She appealed to the community not to resort to violence against suspected drug users but instead to report such cases to the authorities. For assistance or information regarding the DAWN Scheme, citizens can contact the National Helpline number 15100.
Also addressing the gathering, Sub-Inspector of Umpleng Outpost, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri D. D. Wajri expressed appreciation to the village headman, VDP members, and officials of the District Legal Services Authority ( DLSA) for organizing the programme. He emphasized the importance of community cooperation in combating the drug menace and urged residents to report drug users or dealers to the police instead of taking matters into their own hands. He explained that drug-related offences are dealt with under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985, with different penalties depending on the quantity of drugs involved.
The programme was organized with the aim to enhance awareness among VDP members about drug abuse, legal rights of victims and the role of the community in preventing substance abuse and supporting rehabilitation efforts within the district.
