SHILLONG : The Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) has sought the support of the Police Department to establish a Youth Volunteer Wing under Section 43 of the NDPS Act, 1985, to curb drug trafficking in Harijan Colony, Bara Bazar. This appeal by the HPC stems from deep concern over the rising instances of drug trafficking and addiction among the youth.In a letter addressed to the Officer-in-Charge of the ANTF (Anti-Narcotics Task Force), East Khasi Hills District, the HPC stated that drug traffickers have been openly selling drugs in the locality even after complaints have been filed. This has severely affected the community, public health, and caused many youths to fall into the trap of drug addiction.”It is strongly suspected that the dealers have ulterior motives to lure the youth of the locality into criminal activities, degrade our society, and ensure that we cannot stand as respectable and reliable citizens in the state,” the HPC expressed.
This appeal follows a General Body Meeting held on June 28, 2026, where residents unanimously resolved to take stringent measures and step up vigilance with the assistance of the police to fight against drug traffickers.The meeting resolved to form a “Youth Volunteer Task Team” comprising permanent residents aged 18 to 35 years to assist the police in surveillance and intelligence gathering. The HPC has requested the police to depute an officer to train the volunteers on legal procedures, surveillance methods, and personal safety. They also requested approval for the operational protocol, including the issuance of Volunteer Identity Cards signed by the In-Charge of the Police Beat House to ensure smooth coordination.”We humbly submit that Section 43 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, empowers any person to apprehend offenders and hand over seized illegal drugs or substances to an authorized officer under the said Act,” the HPC stated.”Under this provision, the trained youth, under the guidance and leadership of the police, will be able to act as responsible citizens assisting the Police Department in apprehending traffickers and handing them over to the law.” The committee assured full cooperation and strict adherence to all legal guidelines, stating that this initiative aims “To protect our youth, maintain peace and harmony, and make Harijan Colony a drug-free locality for the welfare of society.”
According to the Resolution passed on June 28, it was decided that the Youth Volunteer Task Team will function under the supervision of the SP of East Khasi Hills and the In-Charge of the Police Beat House, 29 Cantonment, Shillong.The volunteers will undergo training by the police before taking up their duties according to the laid-down guidelines.The responsibility of the team includes patrolling in groups of 4–5 members from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM along Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, public pathways, market areas, and the Syndicate Bus Stand, while immediately reporting any suspicious activity to the 29 Cantonment Police Beat House and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force. The team will also conduct weekly door-to-door awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of drugs. The HPC also pointed out that the public toilet in the locality has turned into a drug den due to its low boundary wall, which allows easy access from Lum Survey, and requested the police to include this area in their patrolling route. To strengthen surveillance, the General Body also resolved to request the local MLA, Adelbert Nongrum, the Deputy Commissioner, and the Shillong Municipal Board to install CCTV cameras at six strategic locations under the Safe City Project or Smart City Mission, with monitoring access provided to the HPC.
The Committee also stated it would bear the maintenance and monitoring costs of these systems and ensure there is no misuse of the footage.Regarding complaints that non-residents are involved in drug trafficking within the locality, the HPC decided to submit a formal complaint to the SP of East Khasi Hills and the Officer-in-Charge of Bara Bazar PS for verification and necessary legal action.”The HPC stands firm in extending full cooperation to the East Khasi Hills Police to make the locality drug-free, functioning strictly within the framework of the law,” the Resolution stated. The Committee further urged that this urgent and critical matter be taken up immediately, requesting a meeting to initiate training and collaborative action to safeguard the future of the youth.