International Drug Users Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 01 2011:
The mass campaign on drug abuse conducted by Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE) has concluded with the observance of International Drug Users Day at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen today.
All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) President Ahongsangbam Mobi and Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) General Secretary Longjam Ratan were the chief guest and president of the closing function.
The campaign was kicked off on October 16 last.
Giving keynote address of the observance, CoNE President RK Nalinikanta said, with an objective to reduce the number of drug users, interact with them and reduce stigma, discrimination and harassment, the observance was started in 1995 .
He added, people are needed to be sensitised with respect to various issues of drug users in order to bring them to normal life.
Speaking at the occasion, AMWJU President A Mobi pointed out that drug kills more people than AFSPA in the State.
As drug abuse is one of the worst problems plaguing the State, a constructive proposal must be made to the Government to control it in time, he added.
Mobi further said that drug abuse has now become a major reason for the rise of number of widows in the State.
L Ratan while speaking at the function said, personal interaction and counselling with the target group must be emphasised rather than conducting awareness programmes.
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