Shillong: Rising drug seizures in Meghalaya are not a sign of failure. They signal a focused government crackdown. Paul Lyngdoh, former Tourism Minister and Adviser to the Social Welfare department, says the uptick in raids and arrests proves enforcement agencies are effectively hitting the drug trade. Authorities refuse to back down.
Lyngdoh argues that the state now works with civil society groups to root out the drug menace. This requires sustained pressure rather than isolated operations. The Social Welfare department is hitting schools for the first time to warn young people away from substance abuse. Education is the key.
Lyngdoh stated, "The government had demonstrated its determination to tackle the problem by involving different stakeholders and expanding efforts to address drug abuse across the state." The strategy combines hard enforcement with community outreach. Officials insist that cooperation remains the most effective tool to clear the streets of illicit substances.
Updated at 6th September 2026 at 9:48am
Beyond the drug war, Lyngdoh has turned his focus to the volatile standoff between the state and the Khasi Students Union. He warned his colleagues against a show of guts following recent police arrests of union members tied to the August 19 violence over railway projects and the Uniform Civil Code. He cautioned that a rigid crackdown could trigger shutdowns and social unrest, ultimately damaging the state economy and public image.
Lyngdoh is pushing for interactive diplomacy to replace the current strategy of random arrests. He urged senior officials to keep open, uninterrupted lines of communication with union leadership to stop the situation from becoming a contest of egos. He insists leaders conduct a cost benefit analysis before taking actions that could lead to a total breakdown of law and order.
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