Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has urged members of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) to work closely with the government in building a more peaceful society in the state.
Speaking at a YMA conference at Khawzawl in eastern Mizoram on Friday, the chief minister said the Mizos were fortunate to have an organisation like the YMA, which unites communities and works for social welfare.
"YMA plays an irreplaceable role in safeguarding society and strengthening the state," he said.
Lalduhoma drew attention to the growing problem of drug abuse among young people and praised the YMA's anti-drug initiative, 'Ruihhlo Do' (Fight Against Drugs), for its efforts in tackling the issue at the community level.
He also said the state government is stepping up its efforts to curb narcotics while simultaneously expanding rehabilitation and support programmes.
"In almost every major initiative undertaken by the government, YMA has remained one of our strongest partners," he said.
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The Chief Minister also highlighted the YMA's role in preserving Mizo cultural values and traditions, noting that the state's Mizoram's hospitality and social ethos were receiving positive recognition from tourists visiting the state.
He also pointed out that eastern Mizoram has shown strong agricultural potential and said several development projects are being implemented to accelerate growth in the region.
He added that a ginger unique selling proposition project worth about Rs 190 crore has recently been launched, with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) sanctioning Rs 30.13 crore for a processing unit.