Manipur observes Anti-Drug Day with rallies, competitions, and awareness drives
Source: The Sangai Express / DIO

Cdl/Pzwl/Kak/Tbl, June 26 2026: The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 2026 was observed across various districts of Manipur with a series of awareness programmes aimed at creating public awareness, encouraging community participation and strengthening the collective fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

In Chandel, the district police organised a series of awareness programmes under the global theme, "World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, and Innovative Responses".

The district-wide observance, led by Superintendent of Police (SP) Dharmendra Tyagi, began with a bike rally flagged off from the District Sports Complex, Chandel.

The rally passed through Chandel Christian and Pallel along NH-102C before concluding at the District Headquarters, Chandel.

Police personnel and concerned citizens participated in the rally, with the SP leading the procession.

Following the rally, awareness programmes were held at Chandel Headquarters and Chakpikarong Sub Division.

The programme at Town Hall, Panchai, was organised in collaboration with the Maha Area Chiefs' Association (MACA), with nearly 200 participants including community leaders, youth and members of the public reaffirming their commitment towards preventing drug abuse.

At Chakpikarong, a parallel programme was organised jointly with the Anal Naga Chiefs' Association and Anal Lenruwl Tangpi (ALT), highlighting the importance of grassroots involvement in combating substance abuse.

Meanwhile, the District Administration of Pherzawl observed the day under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Saptah with the theme, "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan - Vikshit Bharat Ki Pehchaan".

A district-level programme was held at the Deputy Commissioner's Conference Hall where ADC Zosanglur Joute administered the antidrug pledge.

Officials and institutions across the district also joined the national observance through a live webcast organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

As part of the campaign, awareness programmes were conducted in villages and among youth organisations.

A programme at Pherzawl Community Hall on June 23 witnessed participation from district officials, including SP T Lalboi Haokip, civil society organisations and village authorities.

The campaign further gained momentum on June 24 with the "Run for a Drug-Free Senvon - Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life" marathon organised at Senvon Public Ground in collaboration with Senvon Youth Club.

The event, flagged off by Deputy Commissioner Anunay Anand, saw participation from hundreds of youths.

Addressing the participants, the DC appreciated the role of young people in promoting a healthy and addiction-free society, while ADC Zosanglur Joute urged them to become ambassadors of the anti-drug movement.

In Kanglatongbi, Sekmai Police Station organised a spot painting competition at Froebel English School as part of the observance.

A total of 25 students participated in the competition aimed at spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.

Officer-in-Charge of Sekmai Police Station, M Jiten Singh, conducted an awareness session and urged students to stay away from drugs and become responsible citizens.

In the spot painting competition, Sibral Limbu of Class IX secured the first prize, followed by Ayush Mangang of Class VI and Alia Rizal of Class V in second and third positions respectively.

Other participants were awarded consolation prizes.

In Kakching, the District Social Welfare Office under the supervision of the District Administration organised a district-level spot painting competition for students of Classes VI to X at the DC Office Complex.

Eighty students participated in the competition.

Deputy Commissioner Kakching.

Angeline Renita, distributed cash prizes to the winners.

Moirangthem Token Meitei of Class X from Grace Cottage Academy won the first prize with Rs 5,000, Aryabhatta of Class VII from Martin Grammar secured the second prize with Rs 3,000, and Moirangthem Lanchenbi Meitei of Grace Cottage Academy won the third prize with Rs 2,000.Elangbam Akash Singh of Pole Star School, Naorem Devit Singh of PR English School and Rofiya Mayengbam of Mary Immaculate Catholic School received consolation prizes of Rs 1,000 each.

The Kakching observance was also jointly organised by the Social Welfare Office and Kha-Manipur Yoga & Nature Cure Association at the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA), Kakching.

In Thoubal, the District Social Welfare Office in association with NGOs of the district observed the day at the Election Counting Hall, Thoubal DC Complex.

Spot painting and quiz competitions were organised as part of the programme.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Thoubal, A Amarjit Sharma, and District Social Officer Kangujam Nongpoknganba Salaicha distributed prizes and certificates to the winners.

Addressing the gathering, ADC Thoubal A Amaijit Sharma said the competitions were organised to educate students about the harmful impact of drugs and encourage them to stay away from substance abuse.

In the spot painting competition for Classes VI to X, Oinam Sanahal of Class VIII from Pitambara School secured the first position, Lamganba Ngangom of Class VIII from RM School won the second position, while Thingujam Aditi of Class X from Evergreen Flower School, Thoubal, secured the third position.

Six participating students from Manihar School, Thoubal Wangmataba, were also encouraged with gifts.

The observances across the districts highlighted the importance of awareness, education, youth participation and coordinated efforts among government agencies, police, civil society organisations and communities in building a drug-free Manipur.

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