Minister Dingo: Manipur crisis fallout of anti-drug drive
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 26 2024:
Social Welfare Department observed International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on the theme 'Evidence is clear: Invest in prevention' at the Palace Gate auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), here, on Wednesday.
Social Welfare minister Heikham Dingo, who attended the observance function as chief guest, categorically stated that the prevailing situation in Manipur is the direct consequence of abundant availability of drugs in the state.
The increasing number of rehabilitation centres in the state is not a good sign for the society as it testifies rise in the number of substance abusers particularly among the youth.
At one point of time, children of only wealthy families in urban areas of Manipur used to push drugs but it is now rampant and widespread with even young girls taking drugs, he said and advised all to keep away from drugs and harmful substances.
According to H Dingo, the Social Welfare Department along with NGOs has been coordinating to save the state from the menace of drugs but there must be a collective understanding among the people about the dangerous and life-threatening consequences of drug abuse in achieving this goal.
Cautioning that it would difficult for the youth to wriggle out once they start abusing drugs regardless of rehabilitation centres operating across the state to bring back habitual drug abusers to the mainstream, the minister called for effective awareness campaigns to make schools and colleges free from drugs.
Stressing the need for having a strong society free from drugs, Dingo also emphasised that stakeholders collaborate with the government and act against rampant drug abuse in schools and colleges.
He further stressed the need for discussing the root cause of the crisis gripping the state since May 3, 2023 while asserting that the government crackdown on drug smuggling and poppy plantations triggered the ethnic violence.
In his speech at the event, Social Welfare director Ng Uttam advised all rehabilitation centres to get registered and abide by guidelines so as to get avail assistance from the department.
The main objective behind formulation of certain guidelines is to achieve the goal of establishing quality drug treatment centres in the state, he said and appealed to CSOs, NGOs and women organisations to have an understanding in this regard.
He also appealed to heads of educational institutions for installing surveillance gadgets to book drug peddlers.
State Level Coordinating Agency director Padmashree Dr A Jayenta Kumar also attended the function and stressed on the importance of observing the day.
He cited lack of people's awareness particularly among emerging youth about the perils of drug abuse as one main factor behind increasing the number of drug users in the state.
He also emphasised the need for resources and political mobilization, collaboration among various stakeholders and evident based policy programme for combating drtig menace in the society effectively.
Prizes were distributed to the winners of a state level painting competition organised in connection with the observance, also attended by officials and staff of the department, invitees and school going students.
Meanwhile, Assam Rifles organised rallies, oath taking ceremonies and awareness campaigns in villages on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
In a joint effort to combat substance abuse and illicit trafficking, Assam Rifles led a rally and awareness lecture at Sehlon, Aibol Joupi, and Yangnomphai villages in Chandel district.
The event witnessed 48 women, 34 youngsters and 75 children in attendance.
An oath-taking ceremony at Mantripukhri on the occasion was attended by 250 personnel, who pledged to refrain from drug abuse and lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
Simultaneously, an anti-drug awareness campaign was conducted in Shakpao village, Ukhrul district which included sensitization sessions on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of a drug-free society.
A total of 64 civilians, including village authorities, attended the campaign.
A campaign on "International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking" was also conducted in Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts to raise awareness about the devastating effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, said a PRO IGAR (S) release.
Similarly, an an attempt to encourage people, specially youngsters, to denounce substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, Assam Rifles along with Tamenglong district administration and civil society organisations organised an awareness lecture cum musical performance at Tamenglong district headquarters on Wednesday.
Officials of the district administration and CMO Tamenglong addressed the gathering and highlighted the need for addressing the menace of substance abuse and advocated investment in drug prevention efforts.
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