Media persons sensitised on drug-related reporting
Source: Chronicle News Service / PIB
Imphal, June 26 2025:
Press Information Bureau (PIB), Regional Office, Imphal, organised a media workshop "Varta" in connection with the observance of "International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking", at Manipur Press Club here on Thursday.
Over 30 local journalists participated in the event aimed at fostering awareness and dialogue on the pressing issue of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The participation reflected the media's commitment to addressing this critical societal challenge.
The media workshop was attended by Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB) SP Watham Basu Singh as a resource person.
Other dignitaries included PIB, Imphal director Dr Engam Pame and All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) president Asem Bhakta.
During the workshop, SP Basu highlighted the alarm ing rise in drug-related issues in Manipur, driven by its proximity to the porous Indo-Myanmar border, which facilitates illicit trafficking.
He noted that over the last nine years, 19 brown sugar manufacturing labs have been uncovered in the state, alongside the widespread misuse of pharmaceutical drugs and poppy cultivation in hilly terrains.
"The drug menace is a multi-faceted issue affecting wealth, health, character, peace, and lives.
It leads to economic drain, environmental degradation, and brain drain, tarnishing the state's image," pointed out the police officer, mentioning that over one lakh .individuals in Manipur are substance users, underscoring the urgency of collective action.
Addressing the root causes, the SP pointed to societal challenges such as a degraded value system, corrupt mindsets, and selfishness, which exacerbate the drug crisis.
He urged for a shift in perspective, stating, "We are all police in ourselves.
The inner voice must guide us to be the change first, practicing what we preach".
He advocated for a comprehensive approach focusing on supply and demand reduction, prevention, awareness, and rehabilitation.
"To win the war against drugs, we need to fight battles on multiple fronts with consistency, focus, and teamwork," he added.
The SP then stressed on the importance of targeting the youth through social programmes, education and knowledge dissemination, to build self-belief and confidence.
"The universe itself is a university where we can learn by observing our surroundings.
A movement involving all stakeholders is essential to translate education into action and create a drug-free Manipur," he concluded.
Addressing the participants, Dr Engam Pame emphasised the media's pivotal role in shaping public discourse and spreading awareness about the devastating impacts of drug abuse, while calling for responsible reporting to educate communities and support the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
Urging the media fraternity to act as a powerful tool for progress, Dr Engam called upon that scribes to be free from bias and uphold the duty to inform and educate the masses.
AMWJU president Asem Bhakta reiterated the need for journalists to amplify voices advocating for prevention and rehabilitation, fostering a collective movement against substance abuse.
He shared his gratitude toward PIB, Imphal for organising such workshop especially for media persons.
During the interactive session, discussions on strategies to combat drug abuse, including addressing poppy cultivation, strengthening border security, and promoting alternative livelihoods were held.
The workshop concluded with a call for sustained efforts, and to contribute to a drug-free society through informed reporting and community engagement.
Officials from PIB, Imphal and CBC RO assistant director M Rustum Singh, MCO Pushpa Maibam, FPO Dr Waribam Urmila, and FEO Deepak Kumar Sharma also participated in the workshop.
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