Shillong, July 16: In a stirring and uncompromising appeal that cuts through political boundaries and reaches the core of a national crisis, Cabinet Minister and United Democratic Party (UDP) legislator from Khliehriat, Kyrmen Shylla, has called for a united and urgent local as well as national front to combat the spiraling drug menace, warning that the threat is no longer regional but global—and growing deadlier by the day.
“I could be a little rude when it comes to drugs. If we give a strong direction, a strong action against the drug peddlers, the law has to be very stringent and give strong direction,” Shylla stated powerfully, underlining the need for aggressive enforcement and zero tolerance.
Speaking to the media, Shylla highlighted the devastating impact of drug abuse on youth and society at large. “When it comes to drugs, this is a matter of concern not only for the state, even the country and the whole world as a whole. We have seen that most of the youths have been trapped in this drug menace which is trying to find ways and means to counter and reach the youths of our state and destroy their livelihood,” he said.
The minister urged citizens to rise above shame, stigma, and silence, and act collectively with courage and compassion. “Until and unless all of us come together and lend a supporting hand, it is almost next to impossible to tackle drugs. The users are quite difficult to find unless they come out or are caught red-handed—and that is very difficult,” he asserted.
While he acknowledged the ongoing efforts of departments like police and health, he stressed that the fight cannot be won by institutions alone. “Yes, no doubt the government has concerned departments, but as I have mentioned, it is next to impossible unless we give our supporting hands,” he emphasized.
Shylla applauded local community bodies for stepping up. “I would like to appreciate and thank the Dorbar Shnong of different localities. From time to time, they really support and try to find ways and means to help our children, our youths, not to get involved in drugs,” he said.
Citing constructive youth engagement as a vital deterrent, he praised various MLAs for introducing sports activities in their constituencies to divert young minds from addiction. “All those things contribute, but the most important thing is our contribution. If someone is using drugs in my family, I have to share it. If I hide, it will grow within the family and later on, it will be next to impossible for him to overcome it,” he cautioned.
Shylla also called for openness and support within families. “We should not be ashamed of our family members if they are using drugs. That is my request—support them, be with them,” he urged.
On the matter of stricter checkpoints to prevent drug trafficking, Shylla offered a sobering reality check. “It is very important—we need that. But I have seen even a big country like the USA, with good checking points and tracking systems where not even a single person can enter unnoticed—yet drugs are still available. So how does it reach there?”
“Checkpoints are required and necessary, but not the only means. All of us should come unitedly, give a holding hand—otherwise, this is something that will keep on increasing. We have been trying to fight this—not only us, even our ancestors tried when drugs first entered our country—but it did not end there. Why? Because not everyone comes forward,” he concluded with stark honesty.
Shylla’s message resonates beyond Meghalaya. It is a wake-up call to an entire nation—that the war against drugs is not the government’s alone, but one that demands the will, voice, and action of every citizen.
