Aizawl: Mizoram governor Gen. Vijay Kumar Singh on Monday launched the State Action Plan to Combat Drug Menace 2026-2029, calling for a coordinated effort involving govt agencies, civil society organisations, churches and local communities.The launch took place at the Conference Hall of the Assembly Annexe in Aizawl, with home minister K. Sapdanga attending as the guest of honour. The event also marked Tlangmawi village in Khawzawl district being declared Mizoram’s first drug-free village.Governor handed over the certificate to representatives of the village and praised the community’s collective efforts. He urged other villages and towns to follow Tlangmawi’s example.“This is only the beginning. We will be able to see results in three years. For it to succeed, we must take all stakeholders along positively,” Singh said.Referring to the Centre’s 100-week Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan, launched on Aug 2, Governor said the state action plan aimed to protect young people from substance abuse through awareness and community participation. He also recalled the national goal of ending the drug trade by Dec 31, 2029.Highlighting Mizoram’s long international border and strategic location, Singh said the state had a responsibility to prevent drugs from reaching other parts of the country.“We carry a heavy responsibility as gatekeepers for the rest of the country. We should always stay focused and keep vigil. We should do away with the mindset that seeks quick profits through drug trafficking,” he said.Governor acknowledged the work of enforcement agencies and referred to anti-drug initiatives such as Operation Jericho and the Hulhliap Short Stay Centre, a short-term detoxification and rehabilitation programme. He also urged the district- and state-level Nasha Mukt Bharat committees and the Narco Coordination Centre to intensify their efforts.Home minister Sapdanga said the launch represented a renewed commitment to protecting Mizoram from the drug menace. Describing the state as a “gateway of drugs”, he stressed the need for joint action by enforcement agencies, NGOs, churches and civil society groups.He said investigations should not be limited to drug peddlers and carriers, but should also cover all those involved in the wider network.
