Shillong: The Department of Social Welfare Government of Meghalaya under the Drug Reduction Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) in collaboration with the Indian Drug Users’ Forum and Meghalaya Users’ Forum today organized a “Multi-stakeholder Symposium in observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2024” at Vivanta Shillong.
Speaking at the occasion Minister of Social Welfare, Paul Lyngdoh said, “Today many of you are part of these programs and this shows that we are coming closer to the point of realization”. Lyngdoh further said that the Government has shown that they mean business, no amount of development activities, and no amount of investment in tourism, and road sectors can yield the desired result.
He also said, “Meghalaya is moving to a realization that we need to escalate and elevate our engagement on the problem of drug trafficking and drug use, it is a timely reminder that society has a choice of either being a victor or a victim of the circumstances.”
Lyngdoh also said that we should avoid blame games, but should feel free to point out those gaps and deficiency, it’s important that each one of us to take it us our own battle, He further urged all NGOs and faith leaders to constantly keep it in mind that the future of the state, the future of the younger generation is in them.
The objective of this symposium is to bring together various stakeholders to discuss and address the pressing issues related to drugs abuse and illicit trafficking.