CADA meet flags concern over Covid-19, drugs & alcohol
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 06 2021:
In continuation of its series of awareness programme to minimize the impact of Covid-19 pandemic, Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) in association with Nungthel Ima Women's Development Association and Top Siphai and Social Welfare Club (SWC) organised a discussion session on Covid-19, drugs and alcohol at Ima Nungthel Lairembi Community Hall, Top Siphai Mayai Leikai on Monday.
Nungthel Ima Women's Development Association secretary Tekcham Subadani, SWC secretary Tekcham Tekchamba and CADA president Hijam Priyokumar attended the session as presidium members while CADA secretary general Geetchandra Mangang and secretary (organisation) Mayengbam Budhi spoke as resource persons.
SWC executive member Longjam Atomba, who attended the session, observed that parents have crucial role in preventing drugs and alcohol abuse since they are closest to their children and they can sense any changes in behaviour of their children if they maintain good relationship.
There is a culture of parents standing in favour of their children when somebody reported of their children's questionable behaviour instead of taking the suggestions and advising their children.
Such attitude and conduct of parents encourages the youth to get into the habit of abusing harmful substances, he said.
Speaking at the event, Tekchamba expressed concern over the failure of the government to enforce the ban on liquor in the state while stating that the government can easily enforce the ban if it is committed enough.
He also emphasised on including lessons on substance abuse in school syllabus in order to provide early education to the children.
CADA president Hijam Priyokumar said that following Covid appropriate behaviour and maintaining SOPs are must in order to return to normal life.
Normal life has returned in Wuhan, where the pandemic began, as a result of following appropriate behavior.
Unfortunately, the situation in Manipur is worrisome and the main reason behind is failure to follow relevant SOPs and appropriate behaviour.
Liquor joints are one of the main hotspots of Covid transmission.
Generally, people who abuse drugs and alcohol tend to gather in groups and it abets transmission of the virus.
A concerted effort is needed to prevent further waves of the pandemic affecting the state, he said.
He also expressed strong objection against legalization of brewing liquor in the state, stating that it will have serious implications in the society.