Intl Day against Drug Abuse State policy to deal drug abuse on the anvil
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 26 2016: As observed elsewhere across the world, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was held today in different parts of the State while the main function was held at GM Hall here.

The function was jointly organised by Social Welfare Department, CADA and the Federation of Indian NGOs for Drug Abuse Prevention (FINGODAP) .

Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai, Social Welfare Deputy Secretary S Naba, Social Welfare Joint Director Surrender A Shishak, FINGODAP national president Padmashree Dr A Jayantakumar and CADA president Advocate Y Ratan attended the observation as presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion, AK Mirabai stated that a State policy would be formulated to create a drug-free society in the State through collective efforts of the Government, NGOs and CSOs.

Intl Day against Drug Abuse State policy to deal drug abuse on the anvil

Claiming that all relevant departments are prepared to extend all possible assistance, the Minister appealed to all NGOs to work sincerely towards building a drug-free, healthy society.

Social Welfare Department would take the central role in formulating a State policy against drug abuse by July.

Pointing out that the degree of drug abuse has been rising day by day in the State, Mirabai asserted that all relevant Government departments are keen to work in close coordination with all NGOs and CSOs to eradicate the maladies of drug abuse from the State.

She then appealed to all Meira Paibi and Nisha Bandh groups to focus their attention and energy on prevention of drug abuse.

FINGODAP National president Padmashree Dr A Jayantakumar said that Manipur and Punjab are the two States of India where drug abuse is highest.

Informing that Punjab Government has taken up a slew of measures to check drug abuse in the State, Jayantakumar asserted that the Government here too need to formulate an effective anti-drug policy.

With even young children taking to drugs, situation of drug abuse is worse in Manipur as compared to Punjab.

Although the rate of abusing illicit drugs is comparatively low, checking abuse of drugs sold in pharmacies remains a major problem in the State.

A large number of youngsters have been addicted to drugs sold lawfully in pharmacies, Jayantakumar rued.

Even though prevalence of HIV/AIDS has been declining in the State, the rate of drug abuse has been rising at an alarming pace, he added.

Some former drug addicts who have successfully given up their drug habits were also felicitated on the occasion.

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was also observed at the office of the Imphal East SP.

Imphal East DC M Joy, Imphal East SP Angam Kamei, NDPS Special Court Judge Simon, SASO general secretary RK Tiken and Imphal East CJM A Nautuneshori attended the observation as presidium members.