NAGALIM VOICE MAY 2023
RESCUE MISSION
Operation Salvage located at Heningkunglwa, Jalukie in Peren district of Nagaland, is a name to be reckoned with when it comes to the mission to liberate youth from the bondage of drugs and alcohol. The centre is one of the most well-known rehabilitation centres in Northeast region. It was founded in 2003 and catered to clients not only from Nagaland state but from the other northeastern states as well, like Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Alcoholic and drug dependent persons from all over these states found their way here. The centre takes holistic approach where the psychotherapeutic treatment is given to the drug addicts. The treatment mainly includes counselling by experts, medication for depression, making them to be spiritually inclined to experience the power of God to free them from addiction. To motivate for spiritual growth and to seek and do the will of God constitutes an important of the programmes.
Drug abuse among the Nagas is not of recent origin. It can be traced to the colonial era when few tribes used opium as a way of life. It was, however, confined to only few tribes. Until 1983, drug addicts in Naga areas used only opium. From 1984, heroine finds its way to Naga areas, leading to drastic rise in heroin addicts. The first casualties are the affluent families who could afford high price tag attached to heroin. But it did not take long for the other section of the people to get hold of the deadly heroin. Alarming was the unfolding situation. While many died of overdose, some were killed and others were tortured, ostracised and sent to jails. This is where NSCN wake up to salvage the youth from the bondage of drugs and alcohol, involving huge financial investment and man power.
For NSCN it is not only the political issue that matters. Humanity matters! That brought about Operation Salvage to save the life of many on the road to self-destruction. Notwithstanding financial constraints NSCN is struggling to keep alive its mission because performing deeds with concern for humanity give them the satisfaction of contributing little help in solving today’s world of facing many humanitarian crisis believing that service to humanity is service to God. Occasionally, NSCN dignitaries paid visit for fellowship with the clients and operation staffs in uplifting their spirits and to share any problem. The first such fellowship and visitation programme of the year took place on the 26th January, 2023. The NSCN/GPRN team was led by Mr. KK Angami, Member, Collective Leadership and Convener, Steering Committee, NSCN.
The other team members are: Mr. Salemyang Gangmei, Speaker, Tatar Hoho, Mr. Mozamo Ngullie, Kilonser, MIP, and Mr. Zhehoto Awomi, Kilonser, Ministry of Chaplee Affairs.