International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 26 2015 :
Organised jointly by the Department of Social Welfare, FINGODEP Manipur Chapter and Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA), the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 2015 was observed in various parts of the State today.
The main observation was held at Youth Affairs and Sports auditorium, Khuman Lampak which was presided by PHED and Labour Minister I Hemochandra, Social Welfare and Co-operation Minister AK Mirabai and Social Welfare Principal Secretary SK Dev Verman as the presidium members.
Speaking at the occasion, I Hemochandra said that drug abuse is a major social problem.
The masses must join hands with local NGOs which are involved in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts to tackle the problem.
Massive mass awareness campaigns, in some ways, have brought down the number of cigarette smokers in the State.
As for drug abuse, the State ought to come up with a policy to effectively tackle the problem, the Minister asserted.
Social Welfare Minister A K Mirabai, during her speech, stressed on the importance of observing the day.
The observation would increase awareness on drug abuse and illicit trafficking, Mirabai stated.
The Minister also advocated the need to implement an effective policy to maintain an environment that is free of illegal drugs and alcohol to ensure the well-being of the people.
The observation function was also attended by students, members of CADA and Department of Social Welfare officials from nine districts.
CADA, Jiribam District Committee also joined in the world-wide observation of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by organising a public rally, our correspondent reports.
The observation was attended by Deputy Sub Collector SDC, Jiribam H Dhananjoy Singh; CADA District Committee, Jiribam president Huirem (o) Memma Devi and Y Chandramani Singh, Sub-divisional Police Officer, SDPO, Jiribam as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
A public rally was also held from Jiribam Higher Secondary School gate to Jiribam ADC office as part of the observation.
District Social Welfare Office, Thoubal in association with Thoubal district partner NGOs (IRCAS) also observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 2015 at Library and Information Centre, Kakching.
Kakching Municipal Council vice-chairperson Y Nando, councillor M Brojen, 22 AR Colonel Mohit Thapa and District Social Welfare Officer, Thoubal Th Nilakumar and Kha Manipur Yoga Care and Nature Care Association secretary Dr M Rajkumar graced the observation function as the presidium members.
A painting competition on the theme 'Let's develop our lives, our community, our identity without drugs' was also conducted.