Anti-drug day event exposes state's pathetic situation
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: June 28, 2022 -

AT a glance, speeches delivered by medical professionals and socio-geopolitical flactivists during observance of the 'International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking-2022' on Sunday all underscored seriousness of the issues arising out of drug abuse and trafficking in the state.

While rallies and varied competitions organised at different observance venues were aimed at making the citizens aware about gravity of the situation, startling revelations made by resource persons related to impact of substance abuse and its socio-economic implications rung out the message that Manipur will have to wage a protracted battle against psychotropic substances with the proactive involvement of the concerned stakeholders.

Taking into account comments of the resource persons, it could be safely stated that the government alone cannot bring any significant change unless there is mass movement against the menace.

In one of the observance functions, Health director Dr K Rajo made it clear that the present drug issue in the state is of high concern and failure to stem further aggravation of the situation could threaten the very survival of the State.

Dr Rajo equating the increase in the number of substance abusers with flash flood should be enough to prod the conscience of the policy makers that there is no room for sluggishness if the battle against the social malaise is to be won.

With around 22.4 per cent of Manipur's adult population said to be liquor consumers and habitual drinkers accounting for 4 per cent one can easily comprehend that the only foreseeable development will be spike in the number of liquor-induced patients and setting up of more rehabilitation or treatment facilities.

Similarly, as around 3.74 per cent, as per the director's estimation citing survey report, use cannabis, 14.52 per cent use opioid products, 7.73 per cent sedatives, 40-50 per cent tobacco and 20-25 per cent cigarettes, such figures suggest that immune system of substantial number of the state's denizens has been already compromised and they are most vulnerable to contract life-threatening diseases not to mention of infertility problems among the women substance abusers.

One cannot also ignore the contention by Human Rights Alert executive director Babloo Loitongbam in another observance function.

The rights activist categorically brushed aside the government data that poppy plantations cover around 6000-7000 acres of arable land in the state and claimed that poppies are cultivated in around 50,000 acres of land.

By referring to a report of the intelligence bureau that the drug economy has now reached Rs 40,000 crore compared to Manipur's total budget of Rs 36,000 crore, Babloo has literally cornered the government and raised suspicion that the government authorities are either ignorant of the actual facts and figures or are simply relishing that at-least black money generated out of drug trade has been benefiting some section of the population.

To cut the long story short, it means that the money circulating in the drug economy is far greater than the money available with the administration.

As the government of Manipur hasn't been able to launch any major projects without the consent and patronage of the centre whereas the number of citizens with purchasing powers has been on the rise, one cannot help but suspect thriving drug businesses in the state.