Aizawl: Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh on Monday launched the State Action Plan to Combat Drug Menace 2026-2029, as the state stepped up efforts to tackle drug trafficking and substance abuse.
At the same programme, Home Minister K. Sapdanga declared Tlangmawi village in Khawzawl district Mizoram’s first drug-free village and handed over the official certificate to village representatives.
The action plan was launched at the Assembly Annexe in Aizawl in the presence of ministers, senior government and police officials, church representatives, NGOs and students.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Singh called for coordinated efforts involving government agencies, local communities and civil society organisations to address drug trafficking and addiction. He said community participation and awareness initiatives would be central to protecting young people from substance abuse.
Highlighting Mizoram’s strategic location and long international border, Singh said the state has an important responsibility in preventing the movement of narcotics into other parts of the country and stressed the need for continued vigilance.
Welcoming Tlangmawi’s achievement, the Governor described it as an example of community participation and said the action plan would require the involvement of all stakeholders to achieve its objectives over the next three years.
Singh also acknowledged the role of enforcement agencies in combating the drug trade and noted that the new action plan complements the Young Mizo Association (YMA) theme for the year, “Ruihhlo Do” (War Against Drugs).
He also highlighted Operation Jericho, a cross-border anti-drug operation, and the Hulhliap Short Stay Centre, which provides short-term detoxification and rehabilitation services.
Home Minister Sapdanga said the launch reflected the government’s commitment to protecting Mizoram and its people from the impact of drugs. He called for greater coordination among enforcement agencies, churches, NGOs and community organisations.
Sapdanga stressed that investigations should extend beyond drug peddlers and carriers to identify and take action against others involved in the illegal narcotics trade.
According to the Home Minister, 635 cases were registered under the ND&PS Act between January and August this year, resulting in 930 arrests, including 111 foreign nationals. Drugs worth more than Rs 846 crore were also seized during the period, he said.
While advocating strict action against those involved in drug trafficking, Sapdanga said people battling addiction should be approached with compassion and provided support to help them return to normal life.
He also called for stronger awareness programmes in educational institutions and intensified border surveillance to curb the inflow of narcotics into the state.
Praising the people of Tlangmawi for their collective efforts, Sapdanga said the village’s initiative could serve as an example for communities across Mizoram.
He urged parents, churches, NGOs and community leaders to remain vigilant and work together to protect young people from substance abuse.