Society's view on drug users need to change: Victoria Yengkhom
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 30 2024: Maintaining that the perception of drug users and people living with HIV/AIDS as outcasts must change, 2nd Manipur Rifles commandant Victoria Yengkhom has pointed out the need to shift society's view towards this community.

Victoria Yengkhom made this statement during the discussion session cum meeting on the topic "Developing HIV and Harm Reduction policy Champions among Political Leaders, Pop Stars, Journalists, Religious leaders and You Tubers" held on Friday at Manipur Press Club.

The event was organised jointly by Nirvana Foundation and India HIV/ AIDS Alliance, New Delhi.

Victoria further stated that it is the duty and responsibility of every individual to guide the youth along the right path while encouraging and supporting marginalised communities.

Merely offering lip service to reduce drug use and prevent HIV will not be enough; words must be translated into action.

It is, therefore, a collective responsibility to take these actions, as addressing drug use and HIV prevention and control is a critical societal issue.

"We must guide the youth properly, or else the future of society will be at risk," she said.

Neglecting such issues using the crisis as an excuse is not acceptable, she added while stressing the need for concrete action to initiate harm reduction among drug users in Manipur.

"We must also strive to rectify societal stereotypes associated with drug users and people living with HIV/AIDS," she said.

Nirvana Foundation secretary Sobhana Sorokhaibam said that the foundation was established in 2006 to combat the spread of drug menace and its associated diseases.

She said that controlling drug use and its impact cannot be solely left out to the NGOs.

There is the need for collective responsibility to control the drug menace.

She also expressed disappointment that not a single political party had included anything related with the drug users community in their election manifestos which showed their disregard for the people affected by the menace.

"They deserved all the rights guaranteed under the constitution as they are also rightful citizens of this nation," Sobhana said.

The function Was also attended by All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) president Bijoy Kakchingtabam and Editors' Guild of Manipur president Khogendra Khomdram as presidium members.

Ex-drug users, journalists, You-Tubers and artistes were also present during the discussion session.

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