Shillong: The Department of Social Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, under the Drug Reduction Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM), in collaboration with the Indian Drug Users’ Forum and Meghalaya Users’ Forum, organised a “Multi-stakeholder Symposium in observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2024” at Vivanta Shillong on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Social Welfare Paul Lyngdoh stated, “Today, many of you are part of these programs and this shows that we are coming closer to the point of realisation.”
Lyngdoh emphasised that the government is committed to addressing drug abuse and trafficking, asserting that no amount of development activities, investment in tourism, or road sectors can yield the desired results without tackling these issues.
Lyngdoh also noted, “Meghalaya is moving to a realisation that we need to escalate and elevate our engagement on the problem of drug trafficking and drug use. It is a timely reminder that society has a choice of either being a victor or a victim of the circumstances.”
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He encouraged avoiding blame games and instead urged participants to feel free to point out gaps and deficiencies. “It’s important that each one of us take it as our own battle,” he said, calling on NGOs and faith leaders to keep in mind that the future of the state and the younger generation is in their hands.
The objective of the symposium was to bring together various stakeholders to discuss and address the pressing issues related to drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
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