Ukhrul: The seventh awareness campaign and consultation on drug abuse and poppy plantation spear headed by Baptist Churches Forum Ukhrul and Ramva Baptist Church in coordination with Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long and NGOs working on the issue was organized at Ramva Baptist Church on the 6th and 7th of September 2022 for twenty two villages of the area. The meeting was attended by around 200 leaders including headmen and village authority members from 12 villages, Pastors and church leaders from 26 churches, Women leaders and youth leaders from the 22 neighboring villages.
The participants had a long and meaning discussion and sharing on the present scenario of drug abuse, drug addiction, its impact in the family and society in the area and the expansion of poppy cultivation in the two districts of Kamjong and Ukhrul. Followed by a long discussion on what can be done for prevention of children from falling into this trap of addiction, also on how we can and should help persons who are already trapped into drug addiction.
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The issue of poppy plantation and illegal drug manufacturing was also discussed at length and concluded that it is the responsibility of every person who have attended the consultation to own these issues.
The discussion hour was led by Thingreiphi Lungharwoshi, President of Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tuisem Kamkara, Vice President Tangkhul Naga Long, Somatai Machinao, President of Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long and actively participated by the participants and in order to carry forward the suggested steps of prevention, other intervention and the pressing need to fight and stop the menace of drug.
A cluster committee for the area covering 22 villages was formed with the following persons as the members:
1. Wungnaoyo Zimik, Headman, Ramva village – Convener
2. Khayuingam Kapai, Shokvao Village authority member – Member
3. Wortam Shokwungnao, Chairperson, Tashar shanao long – Member
4. Chishinmi Varu, President, Shangshak katamnao long – Member
5. Shangreivao Chahongnao, Pastor, Lungshang Baptist Church – Member
6. Rev. Sunny Ningshen, Pastor, Ramva Baptist Church – Member
The Committee will henceforth spearhead the campaign against drugs and initiate various practical steps in fighting against drug abuse and poppy plantation in the area.
The campaign was closed with a concluding remark, note of thanks, highlights of the ongoing journey and way forward of the campaign and congregational prayer led by the Chairman Rev. Remember Rimai of Baptist Churches Forum Ukhrul.
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