Aizawl, September, 2026: Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), formally launched the 'State Action Plan to Combat Drug Menace 2026-2029' this afternoon at the Conference Hall of the Assembly Annexe in Aizawl. Home Minister Mr. K. Sapdanga, who was the guest of honour, formally declared Tlangmawi village in Khawzawl district as the first drug-free village in the state and handed over the certificate.
Addressing the gathering, Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh stressed the need for a collective national effort against the drug menace and illicit drug trade. He recalled that Prime Minister launched the 100 week nationwide campaign ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ on August 2, 2026, which focused on preventing substance abuse among youth and also mentioned that the country has set a firm goal to end the drug trade by December 31, 2029. Referring to the State Action Plan to Combat the Drug Menace, the Governor said it aims to protect young people from drugs through community participation and awareness activities, “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,” he said.
He welcomed the declaration of Tlangmawi as Mizoram’s first Drug-Free Village and said it showed the cooperation and determination of the community. He encouraged other villages and towns to take inspiration from this example. The Governor also acknowledged the efforts of various enforcement agencies in the fight against drugs and noted that the new action plan fits well with the YMA annual theme “Ruihhlo Do” (Fight Against Drugs). Highlighting Mizoram’s strategic location and long international border, he said, “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.”
The Governor also lauded the work done under the cross-border anti-drug operation ‘Operation Jericho’ and the short-term detoxification and rehabilitation programme ‘Hulhliap Short Stay Centre’. He encouraged district- and state-level Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan committees and the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to continue their efforts. He expressed concern over the impact of drugs on Mizo youth and the productive workforce, especially young men, and said he hoped the Three-Year Action Plan would bring positive results. He added that Mizoram’s law-abiding community, strong social fabric and cooperative NGOs could help make the fight against drugs successful.
Home Minister Mr. K. Sapdanga stated that the event marked a firm commitment and renewed pledge to safeguard Mizoram and its people from the menace of drugs. He described Mizoram as a 'gateway of drugs' and highlighted the severe suffering inflicted on many young people. He stressed the need for collective action involving enforcement agencies, NGOs and churches. The Minister said that beyond targeting drug peddlers and carriers alone, all those associated with the trade must also be thoroughly investigated and dealt with. He called upon all stakeholders to give their best efforts starting today to ensure effective implementation of the State Action Plan. Special emphasis, he noted, would be placed on intensifying operations along the borders to curb the inflow of drugs.
Providing figures, the Home Minister informed that between January and August 2026, a total of 635 cases were registered under the ND&PS Act. Of the 930 persons arrested in connection with these cases, 111 were foreigners. The total value of drugs seized during the period exceeded ₹846 crore. While underscoring the need for strict legal action against drug offenders, he also emphasised that those struggling with addiction must be approached with compassion and care so they can return to normal life. He further stressed the importance of intensifying drug awareness campaigns in educational institutions to protect the youth. The Minister praised the people of Tlangmawi village for their unity and courage in striving to make their village drug-free, describing their effort as an inspiring message for the entire state and a pure challenge to others. He called upon the youth to recommit themselves so that drugs do not destroy their future, urged parents to remain vigilant over their children, and appealed to NGOs, churches and community leaders to work together with unity in the fight against drugs.
The programme began with a welcome speech by Mr. Seju P. Kuruvilla, IPS, Inspector General of Police, Anti Narcotics Task Force, Mizoram followed by a video presentation on the Drug-Free Village initiative and the State Action Plan. Director General of Police Mr. Sharad Agarwal delivered speeches on state action plan, highlighting the importance of coordinated action among government agencies, police and local communities.
Experience-sharing sessions formed a key part of the event. A recovered substance user Mr. David Lalrinawma, representing Mizoram Drug Users Forum shared his personal journey of recovery. Mr. Zirthanga Pachuau, Officer-in-Charge of Zokhawthar Police Station in Champhai district at the Indo-Myanmar border town, recounted his experiences in enforcement work along the international border. Mr. Laltlanchhuaha, Village Council President of Tlangmawi, also shared the community’s efforts that led to the village being declared drug-free. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. F. Lalthlamuana, MPS, Superintendent of Police, Anti Narcotics Task Force, Mizoram.
The programme was also attended by Social Welfare Minister Mrs. Lalrinpuii, government officials, NGOs, church leaders and students.
