Awareness campaign highlights drug abuse issues in Ukhrul
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, November 19 2023:
A one day awareness campaign on drug abuse on the theme 'End it Now' was held at Changta Baptist Church in Changta village today.
The drug abuse awareness campaign was jointly organised by the District Administration, SBI, WCAD, DAPCU, Police Department, LWS(SPYM), PASDO, CARE & SNM Ukhrul district.
Addressing the gathering, Ngamreiwung Horam president of WCAD enlightened the villagers about the grim situation of drug abuse in the district.
He further stated that there has been abnormal increase in opium cultivators in the district leading to rampant use of drugs among the youths in particular due to its easy availability.
In view of this concerning situation, WCAD came forward to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs in the society through the drug abuse awareness campaign.
Additional SP, Ukhrul Ringthing Hongchui while educating the villagers about drug abuse dwelt on law enforcement perspectives and informed that under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, any person found illegally trading or cultivating poppy would be imprisoned for 20 years.
The easy availability of drugs and other intoxicants has created a menace in the society, he added.
The Additional SP went on to inform that Ukhrul Police destroyed over 52 acres of poppy farms in the western Tangkhul villages under LM block such as Tora, Champhung and Phalee village.
According to him, Ukhrul police have been receiving numerous phone calls and complaints about drug related issues in Ukhrul.
This shows the gravity of drug related issues in Ukhrul, he maintained.
Branch Manager SBI Ukhrul, TS John Monsang expressed the need of building good relations with financial institutions.
Opening a bank account will strengthen relations and it will help the account holders to avail the benefits directly from the Government avoiding room for loopholes in between.
Over 100 SBI saving account forms were also distributed to the villagers during the programme.