Church leaders and community organisations in Mizoram have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse and trafficking across the north-eastern state.
The decision was reached during a meeting held in Aizawl on 2 June. The gathering was organised by the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), which brings together leaders from the state's major Christian denominations.
Participants discussed ways churches and civil society groups can work more closely to protect communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs, which continue to impact many young people and families.
CYMA General Secretary Malsawmliana said the organisation has dedicated the period from 2025 to 2027 to a focused campaign against drug abuse. He explained that churches were invited to play a central role because many congregations are already involved in awareness programmes, counselling ministries and community outreach efforts.
Bishop Stephen Rotluanga of Aizawl welcomed the initiative, describing drug addiction as one of the most pressing concerns facing both churches and wider society in Mizoram.
He noted that the state remains vulnerable because of its geographical location near major drug trafficking routes. India shares a long and largely open border with Myanmar, while the region is also close to the Golden Triangle, an area known internationally for the production and trafficking of narcotics.
According to the bishop, churches, government agencies and voluntary organisations have already been working to address the problem. Many Christian groups operate social service centres that support people affected by drug dependency, alcoholism and HIV/AIDS.
Church leaders expressed hope that the strengthened partnership between faith communities and civic organisations will help reduce addiction and move the state closer to becoming drug-free.
The concern comes amid a rise in drug-related incidents across Mizoram. Official figures show that 118 people lost their lives due to drug-related causes in 2025, marking the highest number recorded in more than 20 years.
Authorities continue to identify heroin and methamphetamine as the main substances driving addiction and illegal trafficking in the state.
Law enforcement agencies have recently carried out several anti-drug operations. On 2 June, officers from the Excise and Narcotics Department seized nearly one kilogram of heroin and arrested four suspected traffickers near the border. A day earlier, police stopped a vehicle carrying more than half a kilogram of heroin and detained a woman accused of transporting the drugs into Aizawl.
Officials warn that drug abuse is increasingly affecting not only young adults but also women and minors in communities throughout the state.
Several districts located near the Myanmar border, including Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual and Serchhip, continue to be used as routes for the movement of heroin, methamphetamine and other illegal substances.
Christian leaders say sustained cooperation, community education and practical support for those battling addiction will be essential in confronting the growing crisis and safeguarding future generations.
Adapted and rewritten from reporting by UCA News.
