International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking observed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 26 2021: Marked by awareness rallies and webinars; International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed in different parts of the state by different organisations including Manipur Police on Saturday.

Imphal West District Police led by SP Dr S Ibomcha organised a rally along Kan-glapat road from North AOC to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking under the theme 'Share facts on drug, save life' on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ibomcha stressed the need for providing necessary treatment to drug users, informing police on selling of drugs and abuse.

He also appealed to the public to support the police in its effort of stopping illicit drug business.

Thoubal District Police under the aegis of SP Thoubal Jogeshchandra Haobijam also observed the event along with local club and meira paibi members at Nongpok Sekmai, Lilong, Khongjom Samaram, Heirok as well as at various locations of the district.

Imphal East District Police, 6 IRB in collaboration with YADA volunteers organised International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observance at Palace Gate.

The Day was also observed at Lamlai Police Station led by SDPO Lamlai in-charge Suraj Singh.

Kangpokpi District Police also observed the Day at SP's conference hall.

Later, an awareness rally led by SP Karthik Malladi along with other officers and CSOs was taken out from Kangpokpi District Headquarters to T Twinom.

Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS), Manipur State Branch observed International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking via virtual platform (webinar) on Saturday.

In a release, IPS Manipur stated that the programme was attended by Dr RK Lenin Singh, Dr K Shantibala Devi and IPS Manipur president Dr S Manikanta Singh as presidium members with honorary state secretary Dr S Gojendra Singh as the moderator.

The webinar was attended by 48 participants including psychiatrists, nurses, social workers and frontline workers with Dr Kh Robindro Singh speaking on the topic 'Share the facts on drugs, save lives' and Dr Mona Nongmeikapam on 'Substance abuse during Covid 19 pandemic'.

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observance was organised by BRIGHTS at Tungi Yumbi De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre, Moidangpok Maning Leikai, Imphal West district on Saturday.

Speaking at the programme which was held with strict adherence to Covid-19 SOPs, BRIGHTS co-convener Th Pradip informed that it is not easy to rehabilitate drug users as any shortfall in pharmacological, psychological, rehabilitation and aftercare service can render the treatment process ineffective.

Tungi Yumbi Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre also observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at its complex located at Moidangpok Maning Leikai in Imphal West district on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, BRIGHTS co-convener Th Pradip informed that 22.4 per cent of the total population of the state use liquor and 3.8 per cent of the users, around 40,000 of them, cannot give up drinking habit, as per Magnitude of Substance Use in India, 2019 report of AIIMS.

The report also states that there are more than one lakh drug users in the state including 34,334 injecting drug users.

It is not an easy task for drug users to return to normal life but it can be achieved by following the protocol of prevention and treatment as mentioned in the target no.3.5 of the goal no.3 of Sustainable Development Goal.

Pharmacological, psychological, rehabilitation and aftercare services are the main factors that will make the treatment process successful.

As such, the government needs to assess the functioning of private drug rehabilitation centres to see if they are following proper protocols or not, he added.

Meanwhile, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) of Senapati in collaboration with Shantighar Treatment cum Rehabilitation Centre, Mayangkhong, Kangpokpi observed International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking through online mode with clinical psychologist Miranda Yendrem-bam speaking on 'Impact of Covid-19 on mental health and substance use'.

Similarly, DLSA Chandel and Imphal East observed the Day through virtual mode during which advocate Supriya talked on 'Countering its impact on health, governance and security' and District and Sessions Judge Imphal East RK Memcha on 'Implementation of NALSA (Legal Services to the Victims of Drug Abuse and Eradication of Drug Menace) Scheme 2015' as resource persons.

Comment