Bishupur DC underscores need to tackle drug, substance abuse problem
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishupur, August 22 2024: A one-day training and orientation on "Drugs and Substances Abuse" was held today at L Mani Memorial Training Hall, Thamnapokpi as a part of Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan.

The programme was organised by District Administration Bishnupur in collaboration with District Social Welfare Bishnupur with the goal of safeguarding society from the vice of drug and substance abuse.

The event was graced by Keisam Pradipkumar, Chairperson Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Manipur; Lourembam Bikram, Deputy Commissioner Bishnupur; Nongthombam Chingkhei, ZEO Zone IV Bishnupur; N Jotish Singh, District Social Welfare Officer Bishnupur and K Santosh Singh, SDPO Moirang as the presidium members.

Addressing the gathering, L Bikram highlighted the grave nature of the drug problem in the State and the district.

Stating that it is not a matter of spreading awareness or providing rehabilitation, the Bishnupur DC pointed out that Manipur's close location to countries known as the "Golden Triangle" is proving to be precarious.

As such, the State government has been working hard in this connection.

In this regard, he emphasized the Government's initiative to eliminate poppy cultivation and introduce horticultural crops as its replacement.

In addition to cultivation of poppy, there are also reports of establishment of manufacturing units.

The administration has been trying to trace such units and shut down their operation, said the DC.

As Manipur has become a route for cross border drug trade, Bishnupur also falls along this dangerous route.

In order to bust such cross border drug trade operations, he stressed on the need of accurate and high-level intelligence.

To eliminate drug-related ills, spreading awareness to young students and the youth in general is also very important, he said.

The Bishnupur DC spoke about the need for students to focus on their education which will help them face and overcome various challenges later on in life.

In society, some people will fall victim to the vice of substance abuse.

In such cases, they should not be ostracized or shunned from society but encouraged to move in the direction of rehabilitation.

In this connection, the Government has also sanctioned funds under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to manage drug abuse.

He urged Panchayat, teachers, students and the public to help tackle drug and substance abuse in their respective societies.

During the technical session of the programme, K Pradipkumar Singh, Chairperson, MCPCR spoke on the topic "Modus Operandi on Drugs & Substances Abuse & Its Preventive Measures" while Dr Lamabam Pishak, secretary, New Life Foundation delivered a lecture on "Role of Civil Society & Media to Combat Drugs & Substances Abuse" .

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