Make 'War on Drugs' public movement: Ng Uttam
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 07 2023:
Social Welfare director Ngangom Uttam has called upon the people of Manipur to make the government's 'War on Drugs' mission a public movement in order to root out the menace of drugs from the state.
He was attending as chief guest of the first foundation day of Kanglei People Against Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (Kanglei PANAS) held at Manipur Press Club here on Tuesday.
Kanglei PANAS president Elangbam Ibempishak Leima presided over the function which was also attended by AMADA founder president L Tomba and founder secretary Tajuddin Yumkhaibam, and Kripa Society president Hijam Dinesh as guests of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Uttam recalled how chief minister N Biren made a clarion call for giving up substance abuse during the observance of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, 2018 .
From that day, the department launched a campaign called 'Nisha Leitaba Lamdam Ama Semlasi' .
Shortly, the government also launched its 'War on Drugs' mission, which is followed by Central government's 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan', he said.
After a long period, the state now has its own drug policy.
In earlier drafts, the fight against drugs and substance abuse was strategized on three fronts demand reduction, supply reduction, and harm reduction.
At present, the government is focusing mainly on the 'supply reduction' front.
However, it alone cannot fight the issue of drugs and as such, the social welfare and medical departments are the primary stakeholders in the remaining two fronts - demand reduction and harm reduction respectively, he said.
Drug addiction is considered a medical condition and it requires proper treatment and therapy.
Out-casting drugs addicts, tonsuring and humiliating them in public parade are not the right steps to bring them to the mainstream.
It could further lead them to the wrong direction.
Instead, they should be given counselling and treatment in de-addiction centres with active support from family members and the society, the director said.
He also spoke on the guidelines laid down for de addiction centres and actions taken up by the department for flouting the guidelines.
Uttam further highlighted the roles and responsibilities of CSOs in fighting such issues, and appreciated Kanglei PANAS for its commitment.
He urged the organisation to abide by relevant laws related with human rights, and have proper constitution, governing body or executive body to make the organisation functional effectively without hindrance from government's law enforcing agencies.
He also expressed happiness on seeing support from different sections of the society including legislators to the War on Drugs mission, and called for making it a public movement in order to root out the menace of drugs from the state successfully.
Erstwhile members of AMADA, who were arrested by police in connection with anti-drug movement, were honoured by presenting gifts on the occasion.