Auizawl, June 3: In a significant move to address the growing challenge of drug abuse and trafficking in Mizoram, the state’s prominent civil society organisation, the Young Mizo Association, along with major church bodies, has agreed to strengthen coordinated efforts to combat the menace.
The decision emerged from a meeting held in Aizawl on Tuesday between leaders of the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee, which represents key church institutions across the state. The discussions focused on the urgent need for deeper community engagement and stronger institutional collaboration in response to the rising impact of narcotics, particularly among young people.
CYMA General Secretary Malsawmliana said the deliberations highlighted the importance of sustained public participation and enhanced involvement of churches in addressing the expanding drug problem. While acknowledging ongoing initiatives undertaken by various churches, the meeting noted that the scale of substance abuse and trafficking now requires more intensive and collective action from all stakeholders, including civil society groups and local communities.
As part of the strengthened approach, CYMA urged churches across Mizoram to organise mass prayer programmes under a unified theme, aimed at reinforcing awareness and collective resolve against drug abuse and its social consequences. The initiative is intended to complement broader preventive and awareness-driven measures being pursued at the community level.
The meeting also raised concerns over the potential misuse of church-issued documents. CYMA leaders called on church authorities to exercise greater caution in issuing certificates, including baptism certificates, and to ensure strict verification before providing such documents to non-local individuals or foreign nationals.
In addition to the anti-drug agenda, discussions also covered issues related to social cohesion among Mizo communities. Referring to a resolution adopted at the CYMA general assembly last year, leaders emphasised the need for churches to actively contribute to preventing ethnic divisions and strengthening unity among different Mizo groups.
The renewed collaboration between CYMA and church organisations is expected to reinforce community-based efforts aimed at curbing drug abuse while also promoting social harmony and stability across Mizoram.
