Raphael Warjri

The Meghalaya government has appealed to traditional local bodies to step up their role in the fight against drugs by forming Village Defense Parties (VDPs) in their respective areas.

Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, while speaking to the press on Wednesday, urged Dorbar Shnongs to collaborate with the state administration, stressing that the drug menace can only be tackled through joint community action. He informed that the government had recently revised the financial support extended to VDP members, increasing their annual honorarium from ₹800 to ₹3,000.

Lyngdoh reportedly stated that VDPs, though not required to maintain a 24/7 presence on the streets, are crucial in aiding the police with ground-level information and surveillance. He said the government recognizes VDPs under the law, and they are empowered to function alongside the police with legal safeguards in place.

The minister is understood to have expressed concern over the fact that, despite Shillong’s population exceeding six lakh, only 11 VDPs have been formed within the city. He mentioned having met with major Dorbar Shnongs at the NEC Building in Nongrim Hills recently, where community leaders were encouraged to adopt the VDP scheme.

Lyngdoh was quoted as saying that the fight against drugs is not a confrontation between the government and the people but a collective effort. He urged traditional institutions to take full advantage of the government’s initiative, which aims to strengthen grassroots-level vigilance and promote safer neighbourhoods.

Additionally, the minister informed that six repeat drug offenders had been detained under the PITNDPS Act for a period of one year, with the possibility of extended custody if they are found to continue their illegal activities.

In recognition of law enforcement efforts, Lyngdoh also disclosed that the government had awarded cash incentives to members of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and police personnel. During a recent visit to the ANTF office, he reportedly handed out ₹10,000 each to several team members in acknowledgment of their sustained efforts—a gesture he said had not been seen in recent years.

The minister described these steps as significant in the state’s ongoing campaign against narcotics and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening both institutional and community-based approaches in addressing the issue.