Aizawl: Mizoram’s Social Welfare Minister, Lalrinpuii, has issued a fervent appeal for concerted action to root out the pervasive drug menace gripping the state. Her call came during the inaugural session of a two-day international conference on substance use disorder, which kicked off at the Mizo University (MZU) in Aizawl on Thursday.
Addressing a gathering of scholars and experts from both India and abroad, Minister Lalrinpuii underscored the grim reality that drug trafficking and the rampant abuse of narcotics and other substances stand as formidable barriers to Mizoram’s journey towards progress and holistic development. While acknowledging the government’s tireless endeavors to combat this crisis, she emphasized that a truly effective outcome hinges on the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
The conference, set to conclude tomorrow, will witness renowned academics and specialists delivering insightful lectures on the multifaceted aspects of drug and substance use disorder, offering a platform for sharing knowledge and strategizing solutions.
The gravity of the situation was starkly highlighted by recent figures: a grim total of 29 individuals, including six women, have tragically succumbed to drug abuse in Mizoram since January this year alone. This recent surge pushes the total drug-related fatalities in the state to a staggering 1,908 since 1984, the year marking Mizoram’s first recorded death attributed to heroin.