Mizoram launches church-government narcotics awareness campaign

Aizawl, Jul 26 (PTI) The Mizoram government on Sunday joined hands with churches to launch a narcotics awareness campaign to strengthen community-led action against drug abuse and expand community-based rehabilitation efforts.

The campaign was launched jointly by the Social Welfare department and Mizoram Presbyterian church at the Chamari local Presbyterian church in Aizawl.

Social Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii inaugurated the campaign and said that although the state government’s ‘Hulhliap’ (detoxification centre) initiative has achieved significant success, it is continuing to explore additional measures to support people affected by drug addiction and strengthen rehabilitation and after-care services for people recovering from substance abuse.

The minister stressed the need for an effective yet affordable support system, underscoring the role of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in helping recovering drug users reintegrate into society.

She said the government is also formulating an aftercare skill training programme in collaboration with the Mizoram Presbyterian Church (Synod), the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM), the Evangelical Church of Maraland (ECM), the Lai Independent Baptist Church of Mizoram (LIKBK), and various non-governmental organisations.

As part of the initiative, NA awareness programmes will be held in 27 churches across Aizawl and its surrounding areas, officials said.

Resource persons and counsellors from the Mizoram State Drug Demand Reduction Board (MSD&RB) under the Social Welfare department and the Mizoram Drugs User Forum (MDUF) will conduct awareness and counselling sessions, they said.

Apart from people affected by substance abuse, the campaign will also involve their family members through dedicated family sensitisation programmes, recognising the critical role of families in recovery, they said.

Lalrinpuii appealed to churches, voluntary organisations and local communities to actively encourage those struggling with drug addiction to participate in the programmes and access the support available, officials added. PTI CORR RG