Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 20:
The first anniversary of the All Manipur Anti-Drug Association was celebrated today at BOAT, Palace Compound.
The celebration was graced by titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba, AMADA president L Tomba Meetei, vice-president of All Manipur Lady Advocates Association L Kiranmala Leima and Dr P Narendra as chief guest, president and guests of honour.
In the run up to the anniversary celebration, sports tournaments, patriotic song competitions, debating competitions, painting and essay competitions were organised since November 26 in different places.
The main features of today's celebration included presentation of play Mitkap Thokpa based on the message to stay away from intoxicating drugs, live show of the music album 'Opium War' produced by AMADA and other musical programmes by TAPTA.
Speaking on the occasion, Leishemba Sanajaoba remarked that even if Manipur were a free nation, it would lost its freedom soon as the Manipuri society is being engulfed in intoxicating drugs.
To regain the sovereignty of Manipur which was lost on three occasions in 1709, 1891 and 1949, all kinds intoxicating substances should be uprooted from the soil of Manipur first, noted Sanajaoba.
The necessity of such a step was well manifested by the Opium War.
Hailing the initiative of AMADA to check drug abuse and alcoholism, he remarked that December 20 is a day of awakening.
However, he also drew attention of AMADA to emphasise on providing alternative livelihoods to women who earned their livelihood selling and brewing liquor.
He asserted that just prohibition of selling and brewing of liquor may prove counter productive.
In just one year, AMADA managed to seize intoxicating substances worth more than Rs 63 lakhs.
Altogether 1635 people were pulled up for peddling drugs and liquor while 665 people were nabbed for abusing drugs and alcohol.
At present four District Councils and 77 units of AMADA are engaged in the campaign to control drug abuse and alcoholism in the State.