Parents will always be child's first teacher: DESAM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 25 2021: Parents should always remember that they are and will always be the first teacher of their children and as such, reanimate their upbringing ways, stressed Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) .

In a statement issued ahead of the observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, DESAM Special Task Force & Anti-Drug Abuse secretary Thounaojam Somo Luwang urged the people of the state to stand against drug abuse and bring about a strong united Manipur.

Stating that the state is facing various issues all at once, he said that concerted efforts are needed to discuss the issues and come up with amicable solutions, something which is still lacking in the state.

"Our continuous ignorance and apathy towards the problems has only further degraded the society, thereby turning it into a living but dead society," he added.

"We are currently living without any hope for the future as many continue to waste away their lives abusing drugs and other substances.

Students are out partying and consuming liquor and other intoxicants.

In such a situation, it is almost impossible to save the community, especially as the situation is far worse compared to the 19-years of Opium War in China.

Thus, it would be wrong on our part to continue ignoring the seriousness of the situation at hand and allow the extinction of indigenous people", the secretary expressed.

Somo continued: "So far, there are only three effective ways to save the society from drug abuseSupply Reduction, Demand Reduction and Harm Reduction.

Among these three, Supply Reduction requires joint support of the government and the people, as it is based upon the trust and cooperation between the two parties.

Demand Reduction and Harm Reduction involve spreading of awareness and cultivating a spirit of togetherness and hope among all concerned, especially within a family unit" .

"Earlier, Manipur used to be an importer of illegal drugs but is now a rising producer of drugs.

Young women are also increasingly abusing drugs, while the government continues to wage its "War on Drugs" .

An example of this is the arrest of drug lords/smugglers on a daily basis.

Amidst such a serious situation, it is vital to encourage and motivate the youngsters while also guiding them on the right path to the future.

This guidance should begin from the family unit itself and as such, parents/guardians need to step up and properly guide their children to the right direction", Somo asserted.

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