Shillong (Meghalaya), Feb 12: In a significant step towards building safer and healthier communities, the Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) has sensitized Village Defence Parties (VDPs) of Shillong City on the importance of community-led efforts in addressing drug abuse. The meeting brought together VDP members from various localities, including Lawsohtun, Lumparing, and Mawlai Iew-Rynghep, to discuss ways to strengthen coordination with the Meghalaya Police and promote a compassionate approach to rehabilitation.
The sensitization meeting focused on destigmatizing substance use disorders and encouraging a community-based approach to rehabilitation. Representatives from DREAM briefed VDP members on the initiatives undertaken so far, while also providing a platform for them to share the challenges they face in their day-to-day operations.
Inspector E Lamare and Insp N Koch from the Meghalaya Police emphasized the importance of police-community coordination in combating drug abuse. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for expanding rehabilitation facilities, establishing halfway homes, and providing vocational training to reduce vulnerability to substance abuse.
The VDP members resolved to foster stronger coordination with DREAM and the Meghalaya Police to build safer, healthier communities and reinforce the State’s commitment to combating substance abuse. The meeting marked a significant milestone in the collective efforts to address the scourge of drug abuse in Shillong and its surrounding areas.
