THYSO meeting: Increase in drug use in Tangkhul areas noted with dismay
Source: The Sangai Express

Ukhrul, April 21 2024: Over 500 students and youths of Hungpung attended a one-day consultative meeting organized by Thawaijao Hungpung Young Student's Organization (THYSO) under the theme 'Defining THYSO' at Ilongshim, Hungpung on Saturday.

Dr Soreingam Kasomhung, Assistant Professor Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, JNIMS and Lurstep Khapai, Principal, Sentinel College were the speakers at the august event.

Meanwhile Ency YL, president of Women of Hungpung Unit for Social Advancement (WHUSA) along with her team also graced the meeting.

The consultative meeting commenced with a prayer by PS Sword, Pastor of Hungpung Baptist Church.

In a brief presidential address, Hubert Lunghar expressed his joy at the attendance and said the meeting was convened to bring clarity to the minds of youngsters and shape their future through consultation and brainstorming sessions.

Dr Soreingam Kasomhung spoke in detail about the negative peer pressures and the current trend of the youth in Hungpung and Ukhrul in general.

He emphasized on the importance of teenage and adolescence stage and how it is crucial to set lifelong habits and interest, where they also step into the path of self discovery and resort to rebellious acts towards parents.

His major concern, however, was the increase in drug users among the youths in Tangkhul areas.

Peer pressure being the major cause of increasing new users.

He informed that in total there are 800 Government registered drug users in Tangkhul area.

Majority of the users are in the age group between 13 to 35 years.

However, what is alarming is that there are expected to be ten times more unregistered users that are unaccounted for.

He believed that there are close to 6000-7000 unofficial drug users in Tangkhul area and this is leading to other negative impacts like increasing theft and petty crimes in the neighbourhood.

According to 2023 district data, 103 deaths were reported due to overdose, which is equivalent to 1 person dead every 3 days, he shared.

Apart from human deterioration, the financial implications of using drugs is immense.

As revealed by drug users, in an average, in a week, a user can consume Rs 3000 worth of drugs and if this is taken into account, crores of rupees are spent on drugs on a monthly basis.

He urged the parents to be more vigilant and not consider the act as taboo and to get help as early as possible.

He urged the civil organizations to take strong action against drug sellers and peddlers.

Meanwhile, Lurstep Khapai recalled the history of THYSO and its struggle to stay afloat during the initial stage.

While the organization began with a sincere aim to motivate and encourage youth, at some point of time, there was no one to take the leadership forward.

It has gone through a sea of change since its inception in 1957, he shared.

Later, Wungchipem Mahung exhorted on the privilege of being bom in Hungpung with a rich legacy.

Two talented artists Reitimla Khapai and Bruno Awungshi entertained and engaged the participants with their melodious voices and message through their songs.

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