AIZAWL, November 2026: Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma visited the Operation Kingdom Ministry (OKM) Home, established by Phunchawnga, on Monday. He attended the afternoon session of the institution's Students' and Parents' Day programme as the chief guest. Aizawl West-I MLA Pu TBC Lalvenchhunga accompanied him.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that homes and rehabilitation centres established on the foundation of faith were among the best institutions in the state. He described them as a source of pride for Mizoram and appreciated their contribution to society.
Speaking about the establishment and growth of OKM, he acknowledged the challenges and resource constraints faced by the institution. He said the government was taking significant steps to rehabilitate people affected by substance abuse. He also mentioned that the government had supported the expansion of the building of the Thuamawm Baptist Church Council (TBCC), regarded as the largest rehabilitation facility for people affected by substance abuse in Aizawl. While the government provided financial assistance, the construction work was undertaken by the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA). The Jesaia Room and Mosia Room have also been inaugurated.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of cooperation among churches, community leaders and voluntary organisations in helping people overcome substance dependence.
He observed that one of the most effective ways to prevent substance abuse was to ensure that people had meaningful activities and responsibilities. He said the government was making every effort to stop the supply of drugs and other intoxicating substances.
In this connection, he referred to Operation Trident, being conducted in coordination with the Central Government and the neighbouring state governments of Manipur and Assam. He said several people had been arrested during the operation and that enforcement agencies were continuing to identify and dismantle networks involved in drug trafficking.
The Chief Minister said the government was adopting a multi-pronged approach to combat substance abuse, particularly because a large number of young people in the state had fallen prey to addiction.
Highlighting the work of the Excise and Narcotics Department, the nodal department for supply reduction, he said that between 2024 and 2026, the department had seized approximately 3,820 kg and 578 grams of drugs.
He also described Operation Jericho, launched to prevent the entry of drugs into the state, as highly successful. He said drug supplies had declined and the prices of drugs had increased significantly as a result of enforcement efforts.
Rehabilitation and Skill Development Initiatives
The Chief Minister said the government was working with rehabilitation centres run by individuals and organisations to support people affected by substance abuse. One such initiative was the Hulhhliap Short Stay Centre.
He said nine batches had been conducted at the centre between June last year and March this year, benefiting around 2,254 people through physical, mental and spiritual care.
To help rehabilitated individuals secure sustainable livelihoods, the government had also introduced skill development training in four trades: Assistant Electrician, Plumbing, Basic Food Processing and Aluminium Fabrication.
A total of 194 participants had completed these courses. In addition, on August 8, financial assistance of Rs. 50,000 each was provided to 20 beneficiaries under the Chief Minister's Special Package to help them start income-generating activities.
The Chief Minister urged those staying at OKM Home to plan for their livelihoods after completing rehabilitation. He said the government intended to help them establish their own means of earning a living once they overcame addiction. He assured them that the government remained open to supporting those who were willing to give up substance abuse and work towards rebuilding their lives.
Rehabilitation Centres Across the State
Lalduhoma said that 10 Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs), funded by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, were currently functioning in six districts. These centres were providing treatment in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central Government.
Efforts were also underway to secure funding from the Ministry for five other districts. He said locations for District Drug De-addiction Centres (DDACs) had been finalised and the NGOs responsible for managing them had also been selected.
The government was also operating two Outreach and Drop-in Centres (ODICs), established with the support of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in Aizawl and Champhai. These centres have doctors, counsellors and nurses who provide appropriate care based on the needs of individuals.
The Chief Minister said Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) were being operated in district hospitals through the joint efforts of the Social Welfare Department and the Health and Family Welfare Department. These facilities provide detoxification and other treatment services free of cost.
He added that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), a Central Government initiative aimed at protecting young people from substance abuse, was being implemented in every district under the leadership of the respective Deputy Commissioners.
A State-Level Steering and Monitoring Committee had been constituted under the leadership of the Chief Secretary. District-Level Drug Demand Reduction Committees had also been formed in every district, along with Block-Level Drug Demand Reduction Committees headed by Block Development Officers.
In Serchhip district, a special rehabilitation camp for people affected by substance abuse had been organised under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner. Skill training programmes were also being conducted regularly. The Chief Minister said the government intended to help particularly deserving participants through the Chief Minister's Special Package so that they could start their own livelihoods.
Accreditation of Rehabilitation Centres
The Chief Minister said the Jordan Centre had already been handed over to the Mizoram Synod.
According to records maintained by the Social Welfare Department, around 48 rehabilitation centres and homes were operating in Mizoram. The department regularly organises training programmes to help these institutions provide more structured and effective treatment.
He said accreditation of rehabilitation centres was being carried out under the Mizoram Drug Treatment cum Rehabilitation Centre (TRC) Accreditation (Amendment) Rules, 2020. At present, 21 centres had received accreditation.
The Chief Minister urged OKM Home to take the necessary steps to obtain accreditation as well.
Addressing the students, Lalduhoma said that addiction to drugs and other intoxicating substances often stemmed from a desire to become something other than one's true self and from excessive pride. He encouraged the students of OKM to remain determined and assured them that they could overcome addiction if they genuinely wanted to do so.
He urged them to develop strong willpower and resolve never to become slaves to addictive substances.
Leaders Encourage Students to Rebuild Their Lives
Aizawl West-I MLA Pu TBC Lalvenchhunga said it was encouraging to see young people with the potential to work and contribute to the development of the state staying at the rehabilitation home. He said the Chief Minister's visits to such institutions reflected the government's concern for their welfare.
He urged the students of OKM to regard their stay at the institution as an opportunity to prepare themselves for a fresh start and encouraged them not to lose hope.
He observed that people often continue to fall into harmful habits because they remain burdened by their past or become overwhelmed by fears about the distant future. To make genuine progress, he advised them to focus on the present and take small, steady steps towards recovery each day.
Er. H. Duhkima, Treasurer of CYMA, also addressed the gathering. He encouraged the students to recognise that they were living under the care and guidance of people who loved them and urged them to make every effort to overcome their difficulties.
The programme was chaired by Rev. K. Lalpiangthara, Chairman of the Advisory Board. Upa R. Lalnunthara, Secretary of the OKM Advisory Board, welcomed the gathering. Pu Obadia Lalrinmawia, Secretary of the OKM Managing Board, conducted the proceedings, while Pu F. Lalmalsawma, Finance Secretary of the OKM Advisory Board, delivered the vote of thanks and brought the programme to a close.
At present, Operation Kingdom Ministry Home houses 367 students undergoing rehabilitation and has 44 staff members.
