Shillong: East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) Vivek Syiem has issued a strong appeal to the public and community organisations to refrain from assaulting suspected drug users, warning that such actions are both illegal and counterproductive.
His statement comes in the wake of viral videos on social media showing suspected drug users being physically assaulted by unknown individuals. The incidents, which have sparked public debate and concern, are currently under police investigation. Authorities are working to identify both the perpetrators and the locations where the assaults took place.
“Drug usage is undoubtedly a serious issue,” said SP Syiem, “but this is not the way to handle it. Assaulting drug users will only push the problem underground, making it far more difficult for law enforcement and health professionals to intervene.”
The SP emphasized that such extrajudicial actions can have dangerous public health consequences, including a potential spike in HIV cases. “If drug users are forced into hiding out of fear, syringe exchange programmes and medical outreach will no longer be effective,” he warned, citing similar outcomes in Manipur, where public humiliation and flogging failed to produce any lasting results.
“These acts are not only dehumanising but also compound the drug problem rather than resolve it,” Syiem stressed. He urged any citizen who encounters a suspected drug user to contact the police, instead of taking matters into their own hands.
While acknowledging the rise in drug-related crime across Shillong — including recent incidents involving drug users allegedly harassing schoolchildren in Jaiaw and Nongthymmai — Syiem made it clear that vigilante justice is unacceptable. “If someone is apprehended, they must be handed over to police. Courts will not tolerate illegal acts such as beatings or intimidation,” he said.
He reiterated that rehabilitation and treatment are the only long-term solutions. “Drug users won’t change through fear or violence. They need structured treatment, support, and time. Without that, the cycle will continue,” he said.
Syiem further assured that the police will take strict legal action against those found assaulting drug users. “Once we identify the perpetrators seen in the videos, there will be no leniency,” he added.
The SP concluded by stressing the need for community cooperation, awareness programmes, and a lawful, health-based approach to combating drug use. “This is a public health issue as much as it is a law enforcement one. If we drive the problem underground, it will grow in ways we cannot control,” he warned.
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