Student bodies give clarion call to fight drug menace
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 29 2022:
Taking serious note of the increasing instances of drug smuggling and poppy cultivation in the state, six student bodies have called upon the public to teach befitting lesson to drug smugglers and poppy cultivators including supporters regardless of their social status.
In a joint statement, the six student bodies said that increasing number of young students becoming drug addict and youth spending their days in drug de addiction centres are not healthy signs for the society.
According to 'Magnitude of Substance Abuse Report, 2019' published by ministry of social justice and empowerment, there are 34,344 injecting drug users in the state and it shows how the state is suffering the impact of drug menace, the bodies remarked.
While pointing out that number of widows and orphans is increasing in the state as many fall prey to drug overdose, they also highlighted that addiction to narcotic substances is affecting the fertility rate.
These addicts do not care for the families and remain disconnected from the society resulting in different types of crimes, it stated.
Though consistent efforts are on to create awareness on the ill impact of drug abuse and initiatives to discourage drug trades and abuse through intervention and legal actions, the number of drug abusers and traders is increasing day by day due to the close proximity of Manipur to the infamous golden triangle.
As the state lies on the route of international drug trade, the government is facing tough time in curbing this menace, it noted and expressed concern that the state is becoming an epicentre of cross border drug trades and manufacturing cell as well.
Despite the numerous initiatives, illegal poppy cultivation has been a major headache of the state government as this illegal practice is being carried out in the remote areas of the state taking advantage of poor connectivity and lack of outreach.
This not only affects the society and its youth but also the soil fertility and natural ecosystem of the state, thus, resulting in facing the impact of climate change.
Considering the gravity of the situation, it is high time for the public to participate in the government's War on Drugs mission and teach the right lesson to those involved in illegal drug trades and poppy cultivation regardless of their social status.
Continuing such practices will affect the natural ecosystem of the state thereby making the state inhabitable in a few decades.
On the other hand, lapses in the investigation often result in releasing drug smugglers on bail which indirectly encourages them to continue their illegal practices.
Low conviction rate has been a deterrent factor in curbing the menace.
The situation needs concerted efforts from the investigating agencies and those in the judiciary system to increase the conviction rate, the joint statement said.
It also urged lawyers to refrain from representing drug smugglers if they truly believe that the accused is guilty.
It further urged local people of those involved in these illegal practices to refrain from supporting them.