Addiction-free campaign
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: February 05, 2025 -

THOUGH realisation of the collective goal for preventing substance abuse seems unrealistic at the juncture taking into account that Manipur has undergone transformation from being a drug transit route to a psychotropic drug manufacturing state apart from extensive cultivation of poppy plants whose opium extracts are used for production of heroin, the launch of 'Addiction-Free Manipur Campaign' by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Monday testifies that the government is both aware and worried that many youngsters are vulnerable to fall prey to addiction.

With the stated objective to address the problem of substance abuse across the state through conduct of awareness generation, mass mobilisation and community outreach targeting vulnerable groups and the general masses, the campaign is being organised by Brahma Kumaris in collaboration with Ministry of Social justice and Empowerment under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), a flagship programme of the Ministry.

In his address at the launch campaign, Governor Bhalla conceded that issues of drug abuse and addiction are one of the many challenges that require community participation and collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organisations, along with stating that under NMBA, plans have been formulated to check the malaise of drug abuse in the country.

Under the campaign 372 districts across the country would be covered through various initiatives, with top priority on substance abuse prevention through awareness campaigns.

However, the latest campaign, like all other past initiatives, is unlikely to make much of a difference at the ground level in case government authorities do not tackle the drug producers and suppliers with an iron hand.

For instance, law enforcement agencies have been periodically seizing narcotics substance but there has been no significant reduction in the number of drug pushers.

Accepted that prevalence of HIV infection is not widespread now compared to the late 1980s and mid-1990 but such a decline is mainly due to the intervention by the NGOs.

The fact that Manipur is the first in the country to frame the State Al DS Policy back in 1996 is nothing to cherish about for such a policy on ly underscores gravity of the situation.

Moreover, in the context of Manipur, widespread observance of the World AIDS Day every year is not a calendar global event but serves as a grim reminder that all sections of the society, Manipuri womenfolk in particular, shall have to continue shouldering the responsibility of safeguarding the future pillars of the society.

It is in acknowledgement of Manipuri women's role and resolute stand in fighting all social malaises that they are urged to contribute towards freeing the society from the yoke of substance abuse.

Since time immemorial Manipuri women have been donning the role of warriors in the safeguard of geo-political interests and serving as torch bearers in the fight against social ills such as crime against women and children, substance abuse and violation of human rights in addition to contemporary women taking giant leaps in the field of sports, art and culture, and education.

Thus, proactive involvement of Manipuri women, who are envy of many for their resilience and achievements in every aspect of life, would be decisive in addressing the menace of abuse of all addictive substances, including liquor and tobacco products.