Shillong: Amid a surge of viral videos showing drug users being thrashed in the city, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh has cautioned against vigilantism, warning that such actions undermine Meghalaya’s systematic fight against drug trafficking.
“This kind of activism will not help. It will only defeat the very purpose of our efforts,” Lyngdoh said, responding to recent incidents. He pointed out that the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) is now a dedicated police unit led by a Superintendent of Police, equipped with vehicles and trained personnel, and actively patrolling key areas such as Iewduh and the Cantonment.
Lyngdoh stressed that physically apprehending suspected peddlers is illegal and poses health risks, including exposure to contaminated syringes. Instead, he urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement through legal avenues like the Village Defence Party (VDP) scheme.
At a recent meeting with dorbar shnongs at the NEC building, the government appealed for wider adoption of the VDP model. To encourage participation, monthly incentives for volunteers have been raised from Rs 800 to Rs 3,000. “VDPs don’t need to patrol 24/7 but can play a crucial role in assisting police with information and leads,” he explained.
The Minister also revealed that six repeat offenders have been detained under PITNDPS, which allows detention for up to a year and longer for habitual offenders. He further highlighted measures such as cash incentives of Rs 10,000 for ANTF personnel under the DREAM Mission.
Despite these steps, Lyngdoh expressed concern that Shillong, with a population of over six lakh, currently has only 11 active VDPs. “We need more information sharing. This is not the government versus the people — this is us working together to tackle the menace of drugs,” he said.
Cautioning once more against vigilante actions, Lyngdoh added: “When you seize drugs from someone illegally, they fall under your possession, and you too can be accused. The only way forward is through legal, coordinated action with the police.”
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