Shillong, June 26: Meghalaya marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking on Thursday with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma declaring the state’s anti-drug campaign has grown “from mission to movement.”
Sangma, joined by Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira, said the DREAM Mission is now pulling government, schools, faith groups, and NGOs into one coordinated fight. “We have to act, not just talk,” he told the gathering in Shillong before leading an anti-drug pledge.
The Chief Minister unveiled the Centre of Evolution at Reid Provincial Chest Hospital, offering medical care, therapy, counselling, and follow-up support for people battling addiction. A Recovery Track Portal also went live to track rehabilitation.
Four groups received government cheques for groundwork: Achik Welfare Society in Tura, The Bridge Society in Nongstoin, Khasi Presbyterian Assembly (Selda) in Jowai, and Dream Solace – Centre For Hope & Recovery in Shillong. Awards went to Recovery Champions, Community Champions, and outreach teams, while drawing contest winners were felicitated.
“Addiction isn’t only about drugs. Phones, screens, shopping — everybody needs help at some point,” Sangma said, urging wider public involvement. “Until common people join, we won’t see the impact we want.”
The day’s technical sessions covered trafficking, school-based prevention, and treatment, with talks by IGP (CID) Aditya Goenka, Education Joint Secretary Banteilang J Kharshandy, and MIMHANS psychiatrist Dr Sandawiat D Lyngwa. DREAM Youth Ambassadors performed a skit and Wavelength closed with ‘Break These Chains’.
