Combat drug trafficking to Northeast: Governor

Kohima, Jun 27: Governor K Sankaranarayanan has urged the Centre and state governments of the Northeastern states to renew their efforts to check drug trafficking from Myanmar that has proven to be a serious threat in the region.

Speaking on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking here yesterday, the Governor said that the response to the challenge to stop drug abuse must come from within the community and expressed satisfaction to the NGOs of Nagaland, who were working relentlessly to eradicate drug abuse in the state.

The function was jointly organised by Kripa Foundation, Nagaland, Network of Nagaland Drugs and AIDS Organisation and National Institute of Social Defense and sponsored by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Nagaland State AIDS Control Society.

Mr Sankaranarayanan emphasized that linkage with the NGOs, community-based initiations and Government agencies should be strengthened for increasing the effectiveness of the fight against drug abuse.

He said while cure was important, prevention remained the key.

All should devise effective communication strategies to sensitize the youths to the danger of drug use through schools, colleges, churches and other platforms, he said.

Dr Joyce Angami, Project Director of UNODC, highlighted the significance of the day.

UNI