Manipur observes International Day Against Drug Abuse with pledges, rallies, training
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 26 2026: Various institutions across Manipur observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Friday with awareness programmes, pledges, and rallies under the global theme "World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses" .

Manipur University

At Manipur University, the NSS Cell under the aegis of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports organised a one-day awareness programme on "Mission of Drug-Free Campus" at the Court Hall.

Vice Chancellor (In-charge) Prof Sumitra Phanjoubam, as chief guest, thanked volunteers for attending during vacation and said drugs "destroy lives, shatter dreams, break families and endanger the future".

She urged students to counter academic stress through discipline, sports, yoga, counselling, and peer support instead of harmful habits.

Registrar Prof M Premjit Singh noted that strict laws alone cannot end drug abuse, stressing education, social awareness, and moral strength.

District Youth Officer Princi Gupta encouraged healthy practices like yoga, while Dr Sapam Dilipkumar Singh, Assistant Professor, Law Department, Manipur University, discussed legal provisions, the Golden Triangle, and international cartels.

A pledge against drug abuse was administered by the Vice Chancellor.

Prof L Santosh Singh, NSS Programme Coordinator, presided and reaffirmed the university's commitment to a safe, drug-free campus.

RIMS

The Department of Psychiatry, Regional Resource & Training Centre (RRCC), and Drug Treatment Centre (DTC), Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), observed the day at the Psychiatry OPD, New OPD Block.

Director Prof G Sunil Kumar Sharma emphasized collective action for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and awareness, stating.

"Through compassion, collaboration, and innovation, we can build a healthier, drug-free society".

Also present were Dr S Gojendra Singh.

Head, Department of Psychiatry and Nodal Officer of RRCC & DTC; Th Indira Devi, DTC Regional Coordinator; Dr RK Lenin Singh, Professor, Department of Psychiatry; Dr L Roshan Singh, Assistant Professor, Clinical Psychology; besides faculty, staff, students, nurses, and patients' attendants.

Assam Rifles

Stepping up its drive, Assam Rifles organised multiple initiatives on June 25-26.On June 25, Assam Rifles Public School, New Keithelmanbi, held an AntiDrug Awareness Rally under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

A total of 166 participants, including 145 students, 20 teachers, and the Principal, marched with placards, promoting Drug-Free Zones and took a pledge for a Drug-Free India.

Later, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police conducted an awareness session at Phoubakchao High School, Komlakhong, for 192 students and 14 teachers on addiction's consequences and resisting peer pressure.

On June 26, Assam Rifles partnered with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Imphal, for a Training-cum-Awareness Programme at Mantripukhri Garrison.

Nearly 220 Army and Assam Rifles personnel received training on Manipur's drug scenario, contraband identification, and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

NCB officials were felicitated by Assam Rifles leadership.

NAB

The Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB), Manipur, flagged off a bike rally from its Lambulane office to Maibam Lokpa Ching, Nambol, and back, led by Additional Superintendent of Police Y Kishorchand Meetei.

IGP Intelligence/NAB Ningshen Womgam, DIG (AP-II) N Herojit, and SP NAB W Basu jointly flagged off the rally.

Ningshen Womgam said the rally aimed to promote a drug-free Manipur and a healthy, fit State.

CADA

The Coalition Against Drugs & Alcohol (CADA), Manipur, observed the day at its office in Konung Mamang.

CADA secretary general Takhellambam Geetchandra Meitei said it is unclear whether the present Government is continuing the previous administration's "War on Drug" campaigns.

He noted that despite years of CADA's efforts, key influential figures in the State have not extended support.

Urging collective action, he said the youth are falling into addiction and everyone must work together to build a better society.

The programme was attended by Manipur's first heart surgeon Dr Ksh Kala, CADA president Hijam Priyokumar, and LEIMAKOL president MC Rita as presidium members.

UVYC

The United Voluntary Youth Council, Imphal, with Mangaal Drug De-Addiction Centre (IRCA), Sagang, and Outreach & Drop In Centre (ODIC), Sagang, held a programme at Mangaal IRCA Conference Hall.

Former Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) Member K Maharabi Singh, as chief guest, said the easy availability of 'Heroin No 4' and liquor severely affects youth and called it a shared responsibility of Government, law enforcement, and the public.

Th Ratan Singh, project coordinator, Mangaal IRCA De-Addiction Centre and Lamjingba Kangjam, project in-charge ODIC were guests of honour.

Seventy-three people participated and took an antidrug pledge.

All events ended with a unified call: "No to Drugs and Yes to Life".

As part of the day's observance, the United Committee Kairang Khomidok Khabeisoi (UCKKK) burnt seized 'Heroin No 4' worth around Rs 1.5 lakh in front of its office at Khomidok Bazar, Imphal East.

UCKKK president Md Anuwar Shah said the drugs were seized over the past few months during the committee's drive against drug use and peddling in Kairang, Khomidok, and Khabeisoi.

He added that UCKKK is working with Khurai Nongpok Leingak Nupi Apunba Lup and other local clubs to curb drugs and bring a progressive society.

Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak president Jitender Ningomba said UCKKK was formed to eradicate drugs from society and urged other localities to emulate such seizures to reduce supply and use.

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