In a state reeling from a worsening drug crisis, with addicts lining street corners and alleyways, the question of where and how to shelter and rehabilitate them has become a pressing challenge. While there are individuals like TT Zothansanga, founder of Tawngtai Bethel Camping Centre (TBCC), who say God called them to care for addicts, the situation surrounding such homes is far from simple.
In May, the TBCC rehabilitation home made headlines after residents accused its founder of exploiting them for profit, calling him a man who “made business through blood” following reports of alleged deaths inside the facility. The social media storm forced Zothansanga to open the gates, allowing over 1,000 residents to leave freely. Only around 60 stayed behind.
But the fallout was immediate. Within days, at least six people who had left the centre reportedly died from drug overdoses, shaking both the government and the public. On May 19, Health Minister Dr. Lalrinpuii addressed a press conference, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. “We have received many accusations saying the government and the Church failed in their roles. It may be right in some accounts, it is an eye-opener for both the government and the Church,” she said.
Also Read: From Hero to Heroin: The fall of an ‘entrepreneur’ that shook Mizoram
In response, a consultative meeting was held between government officials and church leaders to explore collaborative solutions. Currently, Mizoram has 46 de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, 11 of which are funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
This wasn’t the first time TBCC came under scrutiny. Back in 2017, two residents died in the centre, prompting the removal of over 130 individuals. Despite this, the facility has remained a go-to for authorities such as the police and Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA), who often drop off addicts there; no one is turned away. This has led to severe overcrowding, strained resources, and limited funding.
The debate surrounding TBCC is polarised. Some argue that managing large populations, many rejected even by their own families, is inherently difficult. Others, however, allege gross mismanagement and abuse by the founder. Amid the controversy, one outcome stands clear: the crisis has catalysed much-needed awareness and action among the government and churches.
One of the most significant developments since the TBCC fallout is the creation of the Hulhliap Short Stay Centre. Launched on June 23, it is a joint initiative of the Mizoram government, the Mizoram Synod, and NGOs. Initially set to house 150 people, overwhelming demand raised the intake to 200. The program offers a 20-day cycle: 10 days of medical detox, five days of psychological counselling, and five days of spiritual therapy.
Also Read: Why V Lalnunthara is on a mission for drugs-free Mizoram
Churches, long active in Mizoram’s anti-drug efforts, are stepping up even further. Just last week, Excise and Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar disclosed that the state has over 14,000 injecting drug users, a public health crisis demanding immediate, collective action. He emphasised the Church’s critical role in both rehabilitation and prevention.
Churches Rise to the Challenge
F. Lallawmzuala, General Secretary of the Social Wing of the Pentecostal Youth Department, told EastMojo that they conduct statewide seminars, distribute educational materials, and regularly run awareness campaigns in towns and villages. “When hundreds of addicts were suddenly back on the streets, we distributed food and prayed with them. We’re also planning future initiatives,” he said.
The Salvation Army has also maintained a consistent street presence. Lalchhandama, Central South Street Mission Cell Secretary, said they conduct outreach every Wednesday and Friday night in areas like Canteen Kual and Zodin SBI, known hotspots for drug use and prostitution. “We give them food, rice, chow, and lassi, and even conduct surveys to understand their needs,” he said. His team hands out contact cards and, when called, takes individuals to their 20-bed rehab centre in Chhiahtlang, which is currently being expanded. “Over 20 people have reached out since last year,” he added.
When the TBCC issue erupted, the number of street addicts surged from an average of 18–55 to over 100 on some nights. “One person sometimes had to counsel five people at once,” Lalchhandama noted. The church also arranges hospital admissions and pays for their care.
Smaller churches are also doing their part. The Seventh Day Adventist Church has a dedicated Temperance Department. Director Lalthangmawii Ralte said, “We regularly hold awareness programs. The month of May is specifically observed as Drug Awareness Month, and we hold competitions to engage youth.”
Two independent ministries under the SDA Church have also been actively involved in anti-drug initiatives. Faith Production Media organises camps for drug addicts and conducts street campaigns in areas where drug and alcohol abuse is rampant. Meanwhile, the Horeb Recreation & Lifestyle Centre, a new facility currently under construction, aims to provide lifestyle transformation and spiritual rehabilitation sessions for addicts. The centre is expected to open in August.
According to its Vice Chairman, Lalzidinga, while the vision for the home had existed for some time, recent developments, particularly the TBCC controversy, have improved public awareness and a sense of urgency to the initiative.
The Synod’s Multi-Pronged Approach
The Mizoram Presbyterian Church, the state’s largest denomination, has been especially proactive. Rev. JC Lalramliana, Director of the Synod Revival Department, told EastMojo that since 2017, they’ve held monthly camps in Neihbawi. “While initially meant for spiritual seekers, they’ve shifted focus to drug addicts over the past two years,” he said. In May 2025, a one-month camp drew over 1,000 participants.
Another project, Operation Nehemiah, mobilises 10–12 revival teams, each with 30–40 members, to go out in the evenings and meet addicts and sex workers to offer prayer, food, and paths to rehabilitation. Another initiative, the Phunchawng-RV Project, reaches out to illegal alcohol sellers to persuade them to quit and offers one-time financial assistance for starting a new livelihood. Since 2018, nine families have reportedly made the switch.
“These are just Synod-led efforts. Countless local churches are holding detox sessions and awareness campaigns in their communities,” Lalramliana said.
Lalramliana believes the TBCC issue has served as a wake-up call for the government. “We need to work together because our resources are different. While the government has skills and assets, we offer spiritual guidance and a platform to bring people together,” he said.
In the past two years, the number of drug addicts has steadily increased,” Lalramliana said. “One major factor is the high level of unemployment; many young people have nothing to do. Peer pressure plays a role, and there’s also a growing supply of drugs coming in from the Myanmar side.” He shared reports from certain villages where drug peddlers allegedly offer drugs for free at first, targeting youth to get them hooked and expand their business.
Officials have also linked this surge to the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar, which has led to a sharp rise in smuggling activities across the border, including seizures of contraband and exotic wildlife in Mizoram.
Lalramliana further emphasised the connection between drug abuse and the state’s HIV/AIDS crisis. Mizoram has one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the country. “Men often turn to theft to fund their addiction, while women, trapped in drug dependency, are pushed into prostitution, which could indirectly contribute to the rise in HIV cases.”
Just last month, Dr. Jane R. Ralte, Project Director of the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS), reported that unsafe sexual practices account for 68% of HIV infections in the state. About 30% are linked to intravenous drug users (IDUs) sharing contaminated needles and syringes.
As the state grapples with the dual burden of drug addiction and HIV/AIDS, the combined efforts of churches, government, and communities are shaping a new chapter, one where awareness and action may finally begin to match the scale of the crisis.
Also Read: As Assam’s forests shrink, elephants die: Over 1,200 fatalities in 23 years
You just read a story that took days to report. Help us keep our reporters on the ground in the Northeast.
Ad-free reading, support and keep important stories alive
Support once (any amount)
Scan to pay via UPI