In what could be termed a ray of hope for substance abusers and their parents in Tamenglong district, Manipur, a rehabilitation centre was opened for the first time at Duigailong village on Monday.
The first-ever rehabilitation centre in the district is to be run by one NGO, ‘Life Saver Trust’ under the banner of ‘The Lightening Drugs and Alcohol Drugs De-addiction and rehabilitation Centre’ Duigailong Tamenglong.
In his keynote address, project director Titus Gangmei said that the rehabilitation will include Christian-based counselling. He requested pastors of the 26 churches in the district to visit the rehabilitation centre and give prayerful counselling to the inmates.
He also urged the citizens of Tamenglong to never cast out any member of the family because they happened to be alcohol and drug addicts. They are also human beings who require immediate treatment just like victims of road accidents, he said.
He also urged not to keep the addicts in hiding but to inform the centre. He said the first six persons will be given free of cost treatment.
Zeliangrong Baptist Churches Council Northeast India president, and president of Town Churches Union Tamenglong president reverend Namreikeu Pame, Tamenglong BAR association president Advocate AG Chingkhiugong, Duigailong village youth president women wings among others attended the programme.
Duigailong Baptist Church pastor Dr Dimonang Gonmei acted as minister of the inauguration.
While encouraging the Life Saver Trust and their team members, Reverend Namreikeu Pame mentioned that many precious lives have been lost due to drug overdose; at least five-six persons died this year. This rehabilitation centre should be supported by all, and all churches in the town will give full support, he added.
