'Drug abuse puts entire society at risk'
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, November 20 2023:
Chairman of the Weaker Community's Action for Development (WCAD) Ngamrei-wung Horam has said that drug abuse is not just a problem that affects a select few, it's kind of an epidemic that's putting the entire society at risk.
"Trying to solve this issue through the individual level alone will not do us any good.
It is a problem that needs to be addressed by the society as a whole," he stated while speaking during a series of drug awareness campaigns held simultaneously at Aphung Changta, Maichon and L Phungdhar on November 19 .
As drug addiction continues to spread its tentacles far and wide, the scenario has created a deep sense of alarm among the people.
"Imagine a scenario where the most ambitious lives of our youth who are considered the future pillar of society are consumed by drugs.
But sadly, this is slowly becoming a reality today.
That's why WCAD has come in to build a better future with our continued campaign against drug abuse and illicit poppy cultivation in our land," Horam stressed.
He continued that it's not only in terms of loss of precious human lives, but also in economic and financial terms, that the issue is becoming much more grave today than ever before.
"We need to come together and join the efforts to forge a better society free from the menace of drug abuse.
Let's join hands and make our land a much safer and healthier place," he pleaded.
Held under the theme 'End It Now', the day-long campaign was simultaneously organised by WCAD in collaboration with Ukhrul district administration, police, SBI, DAPCU, and NGOs including LWS/SPYM, CARE, PASDO and SNM at the villages.
The awareness campaign was attended by a number of experienced and knowledgeable resource persons, including SBI Ukhrul branch manager TS John Monsang, Addl SP Ringthing Hongchui, DACO Dr Yuithingla Vashum, social worker Thotreihan Ruivah, SNM's Vaomi Shangh, DAPCU's Anthony Zimik, CARE's Very-moon Kasomwoshi, PASDO's Shimthar Athary, and LWS/ SPYM's Wungnaosung Zimik.
The event saw active participation from the youth and local villagers, who were made aware of the harmful effects of drug abuse.
The gathering was further enlightened on the perils of drug trafficking, the medical aspects of drug addiction, and the need to abstain from drug use in all forms.
The resource persons highlighted the high cost of drug addiction from an individual as well as a societal standpoint, and stressed on the importance of leading a healthy and drug-free life.
John Monsang said that the bank has various banking pro grammes, such as loans and insurance to secure a means of livelihood for the villagers.
Incidentally, the campaign took place a few days after a combined team of Ukhrul police, 6 Manipur Rifles (MR), Forest department and 35 Assam Rifles destroyed illicit poppy cultivation in To-ra-Phalee-Champhung hill range.
Aphung Changta village was one of the villages that experienced the destrucfion of its illicit poppy plantations, -and village secretary Vangam Phungshok and youth president Yungrei expressed to the media that many households in the village had invested a large portion of their income to the cultivation of the poppies.
"We wholeheartedly support the efforts of the government to combat the illegal practice of poppy cultivation, yet we also request the government to consider an alternative arrangement for the poor poppy farmers so that they no longer have to rely on the cultivation of poppies as their main source of income," Phungshok said.