Y Khemchand inaugurates TWILIGHT Drug De-addiction / Rehabilitation Centre
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 28 2023: RD&PR and MAHUD Minister Yumnam Khemchand on Wednesday inaugurated 'TWILIGHT Drug De-addiction cum Rehabilitation Centre' at Taothong Ayungba, Lamshang, Imphal West district.

According to a release issued by Pramod Ningombam, secretary Centre for Humanity's Betterment (CHuB), the drug de-addiction cum rehabilitation centre is run by CHuB, a state level registered NGO working for the welfare and development of the public in general and the marginalised & downtrodden section of the society in particular.

The inaugural function was attended by Yumnam Khemchand, TWILIGHT Drug De-Addiction cum Rehabilitation Centre manager Ningombam Prabin Singh, Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE) president RK Nalinikanta, Taothong Ayungba Meira Paibi Association member Promila Devi and Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) vice president Dipanjit Ningthoujam as presidium members.

Y Khemchand inaugurates TWILIGHT Drug De-addiction cum Rehabilitation Centre

Speaking at the occasion, Y Khemchand said, "We have not done enough to save the youths from falling prey to drugs.

There is a huge system failure in which we all need to come together, conduct research and save the youths" .

Calling for collective responsibility to tackle the menace of drugs in the State, the Minister said that it is essential for all the meira paibis, clubs, associations and NGOs working in the field of drugs to chalk out strategies to tackle the issue.

He also pointed out that out of the total 6-7 lakh youths in the State, about 1.5 lakh youths are reported to be using drugs in one form or the other.

"We need to treat this section of the population early or else there will be all kinds of unwanted and undesired situations in future", he added.

Pramod Ningombam said that drug abuse/ addiction is a serious issue in the State and thousands of youths and young adults including teenage girls have become victims of drug abuse.

He asserted that this section of the society is the future pillar of the society and they need to be freed from the harmful effects of drugs.

He also claimed that a number of drug rehabilitation centres have been reportedly mushrooming up in the State with the sole motive of business without taking into consideration the welfare of its inmates.

"However, TWILIGHT drug rehabilitation centre has been set up with the primary objective of bringing back the youths who are the pillars of the society, to the mainstream and help them become free from drugs", said Pramod while adding that the centre will provide a homely environment to the drug users and serve as their second home.

"We are trying to bring a unique kind of treatment in the centre where they (clients) feel at home.

Creating such an atmosphere will enable the drug users to leave their habit of drug use and become assets of the society which is the need of the hour", he added.