U-TRUST urges Govt to rein in vested interest rehab centres
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 06 2022:
Stating that forceful seizure, detention and harassment of drug users by some vested interest rehabilitation centres is undermining the government s war on drugs mission, Union of Treatment and Rehabilitation of Users for Social Transformation (U-TRUST) has urged authorities concerned to look into the matter and take action against all those centres which do not follow the guidelines.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here on Tuesday, U-TRUST convenor Soraisam Gobby denounced that around 10 activists of Mohallah Wise Committee Anti-Drug Association, Lilong illegally detained two drug users at Samurou Ponam Turning on November 26 around 10.30 am and forcefully handed them over to Nasa Mukti Kendra (SEERIO), a rehabilitation centre at Yaripok Tulihal, allegedly managed in an unlawful manner.
Fortunately, after the drug users were rescued by representatives of U-TRUST they confided that some people came in three four-wheelers and picked them up from Sa murou Oinam turning and were physically and psychologically abused.
In addition, they took video of them and threatened to expose them on social media.
After detaining them till 6.30 pm, they were handed over to Nasa Mukti Kendra (SEERIO), Yairipok Tulihal, he conveyed, while adding that the room they detained was used as a place to eat, sleep and as toilet.
Even medicines not prescribed by doctors were forcefully given to them.
As victim s family complained to U-TRUST, they went to rescue the two but not allowed to enter the premises and even detained for 10 hours.
Later, Andro police station second OC told them to wait in a place where members of the organisation will come.
In the meantime, the victims were brought to their office by members of the organisation.
After informing the police, the victims were finally rescued, he continued.
Urging authorities concerned to look into rehabilitation centres which do not follow the guide lines laid down by the government, he exhorted to stop the rehabilitation centres which have been converted into the money minting place.