Muslim bodies call for concerted anti-drug campaign
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 01 2013: Taking serious note of Manipur being gradually transformed into a transit route of illegal drug trafficking, several Muslim organisations have emphasised need for concerted and intense campaigns to save the younger generation from the menace of drug and substance abuse.

Speaking on behalf of the Muslim organisations, Muslim Advocates' Legal Services Organisation general secretary advocate Rabi Khan said that recent incidents of law enforcement agencies recovering huge quantities of illegal drugs from different places of the State is a grim reminder that there is need for collaboration and cooperation from every section of the society in the campaign against smuggling and abuse of drugs.

Expressing confidence that joint anti-drug campaigns would be successful in exposing the drug smugglers and influential individuals involved in the illegal trade, he opined that the pallel case involving two security personnel, a private airline official and close relatives of police as well as legislator is enough evidence that prominent public figures are either directly or indirectly indulging in drug smuggling activities.

Moreover the latest case of arresting a former Minister's son by the police along with psychotropic drugs is an indication that activities and conduct of the State legislators should be closely monitored for effectively tackling the drug menace, opined Rabi Khan who also suggested that two separate courts be set up in the State to specifically deal with drug related cases.

Taking into account increasing number of drug smuggling cases and arrest of smugglers it would be a burden if the matter is left to a single court, explained the advocate and expressed confidence that two courts would be more suitable to expeditiously dispose the cases.

While proposing that law enforcement agencies prepare chargesheets against arrested drug smugglers at the earliest possible in order to speed up justice delivery system, he also suggested surprise raids at residences of wealthy and influential individuals as there is strong possibility that these individuals might be assisting drug smugglers, financially.

Rabi Khan also deplored that contrary to high expectation and potential for Manipur to benefit from the Look East Policy many of the future generation face serious threat from becoming substance abusers as Manipur's close proximity to Myanmar is being exploited by drug smugglers.

applauding the Thoubal district police commando team for their audacity in stopping the Army Colonel-led three vehicle convoy at near Pallel police check post and recovering one of the largest drug consignments, he said Muslim organisations would approach authorities concerned to award the police team.

Representatives of All Manipur Muslim Organisation Coordinating Committee, united Manipur Muslim Women's Development Organisation, All Manipur Muslim Students' Organisation and All Manipur Muslim Students and sports Development Organisation also attended the media briefing.

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