LEH: Calling for adopting a people-first approach, Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Leh, Tashi Gyalson on Monday said that rehabilitation, rather than punishment and incarceration for minor drug offences, would lead to a strong response to the drug menace.
Gyalson was speaking at an event organised by District Police Leh in collaboration with Elijer Joldan Memorial College to mark the International Drug Day against Drugs Abuse & Illicit Trafficking.
In his address, Gyalson spoke about the importance of spreading awareness regarding the Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
“We should focus on the need to put people first by ending stigma and discrimination and strengthening prevention. This means stressing rehabilitation, rather than punishment and incarceration for minor drug offences,” he said.
Gyalson stressed on upholding the human rights of people who use drugs, including by expanding prevention and treatment programmes and health services and protecting people and communities alike by ending impunity for drug traffickers profiting from people’s pain. “We should be united together to root out drug abuse from Ladakh,” he added.
This program was organised to wean away youth and others from drugs and to make our country drugs free and to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.
Earlier, at the outset, the program started with the welcome speech and formal introduction of Guest Speakers by Deputy S P Headquarters Leh, Rigzin Sangrup.
It was followed by an elocution competition on the topic Innovative ways to keep youth stay away from drugs by students which was judged by Senior Assistant Professor Rinchen Angmo from English Department, Assistant Professor of Political Science Sabah Sharif, ; Assistant Profesor of English Department, Sonam Angmo; Assistant Professor, GDC Khaltsi Assistant Professor Stanzin Deldan.
Later, a colourful Cultural Show was showcased by the students.
DIG Ladakh Sheikh Junaid Mehboob-IPS also spoke on the occasion. Prof Samina Iqbal, Principal Government Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, Leh gave the vote of thanks.
