State policy soon to deal with drug menace, assures Mirabai
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 26 2014: Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai on Thursday said a State policy on drug will be formulated soon to deal substantially with the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the State.

Speaking on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2014 observance function organized by Social Welfare Department at Khuman Lampak Kangshang here today, Mirabai categorically stated that the Government alone cannot curb the menace of drug plaguing the State and called for a united fight.

"We need to put in our efforts together to deal firmly with the menace of drug trafficking or else the future generation will face a grave situation," Mirabai, who was the chief guest of the function, expressed concerned.

Drug Users Forum

It is unfortunate that the youngsters, especially the juvenile males who have not even passed class X are using drugs and other substances in the State today, she said. Mirabai assured the steps for formulating a State drug policy will be expedited and expressed concern about the drug cartel and its nexus in the State.

Even some of the women have joined the drug business, she noted, and appealed to the people for a serious contemplation on the issue to bring about a solution.

Saying that different NGOs and stakeholders in the State have been tirelessly working towards preventing drug abuse and trafficking, Mirabai urged that more efforts are needed towards this end.

"We must work to build a peaceful and drug-free society," the Minister added.

Presiding over the event, Dev Burman, Principal Secretary of Social Welfare said drug abuse causes serious effect on the life and health of young people and emphasized the need for understanding the drug menace and finding a way out of it.

SS Chabbra, OSD of State Social Welfare Department, Dr Rangitabali Waikhom, Director and Dr A Jayentakumar were also present on the occasion as guests of honour.

An ex-tempore speech competition for students was also held to mark the occasion.

In the competition, L Rishirani of MECI School, Imphal bagged the first position while Radheshyam Khumukcham of Johnstone Higher Secondary School, Imphal and Michael of Keishamthong High School won the second and third positions respectively.

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking falls on June 26 every year.

The Social Awareness Service Organisation (SASO) also marked the day by organizing a workshop on "Support Don't Punish" at Manipur Press Club here today.

Social activist N Ibungochoubi moderated the workshop during which Prof MC Arun of Manipur University, who spoke as one of the resource persons, observed that drug abuse among the youth is on the rise and suggested for a critical study on the problem to find out the truth behind the increasing rate of drug users in the State.

There must be certain reasons for every person who started using drug, he said, while highlighted the need for motivating the youth to enable them to lead a meaningful life.

The Threaten Indigenous People's Society (TIPS) also observed the day at Dev Literature Centre at DM College campus here today.