Rehab centres hail CM's efforts against drug menace
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 05 2022:
Representatives of 70 private drug/alcohol rehabilitation centres under the banner of Committee on Suitable Guideline for Non-Funded Private Rehabilitation Centres have iauded the unwavering commitment of chief minister Biren towards eradication of drug menace in the state and resolved to support the chief minister in all his future endeavours.
In an audience with the chief minister on Friday, representatives of the private rehabilitation centres had an in depth and fruitful discussion on the challenges being faced by service providers in the drug treatment front.
Convener of the committee, Sagolshem Herojit, while addressing the gathering, hailed the formulation of Manipur State Policy on Psychoactive Substances Act 2019 during the tenure of chief minister N Biren and expressed hope that the same would be implemented under his able leadership.
Herojit then drew the attention of the chief minister over the need for a state specific guideline for non-funded private drug/alcohol rehabilitation centres to give an impetus in the drug treatment front.
The chief minister, during the meeting, commended the initiatives made by people from the drug users' background towards the drug issue dogging the state and observed that drug victims emerging as saviours through their services and efforts are the ultimate symbol of fortitude and should be encouraged.
Biren said that though the COVID-19 pandemic has hindered and hampered the im- plementation of the Manipur State Policy on Psychoactive Substances Act 2019, the state government has been putting its utmost exertion to curb the drug menace that is creating havoc in the state.
There has been continuous crackdown on drug trafficking and massive drive against poppy plantation, he added.
The chief minister further observed that drug victims are not to be blamed for their predicament as they didn't choose the life they are leading.
Sharing a personal anecdote, he maintained that a reckless action or wrong move could lead someone in the throes of addiction and drugs.
He also stressed on the need to empower victims of drugs through a holistic approach that encompasses health and welfare schemes.
A symbolic Meitei traditional spear, sword and a shield embossed with the mythical 'Kangla Sha' were also gifted to the chief minister by a committee member, who has quit using drugs for 18 years, in appreciation of the chief minister's unrelenting fight against drugs.