Clarion call given to tackle drug menace
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 29 2024: Imphal East deputy commissioner Khumanthem Diana has emphasised that local bodies and Panchayat play an important role in bringing about a drug-free society.

She made the statement as chief guest of an awareness programme on 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan' organised for local bodies and Panchayat representatives for Imphal East district by the district administration and District Social Welfare Office at the Panchayat Hall of DC Complex on Monday.

Presided over by Imphal East Zilia Parishad Dr P December Singh, the programme was attended by Imphal East SP K Meghachandra Singh, Social Welfare director Ngangom Uttam Singh and District Level Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Committee, Imphal East executive member and retired IAS RK Nimai as guests of honour.

DC Diana continued that Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is a campaign launched by the central government to make the country drug-free.

She emphasised the importance of local bodies and Panchayat representatives in anti-drug related activities, especially at the grassroots level, while appealing to.

the same to extend their support in making the district drug-free and healthy.

In his address, SP Meghachandra said that the influence of drugs must not be taken lightly.

Being located in the Indo-Myanmar border, the state has been greatly affected by drugs.

Thus, all need to be involved in fending off against this evil menace, especially at the Gram level where small drug peddlers/retailers are ruining the lives of the youth.

He also stressed the need for civil witnesses to come forward in drug cases, while further highlighting the need for organising similar awareness programmes at school and parental level.

Social Welfare director Ngangom also said that the drug issue must not be taken lightly as it could destroy Manipur and its indigenous population.

At one time, drugs like heroin and others used to be a rarity but are now available at cheap prices, which would have an impact on the society, particularly the children.

As such, we need to put an end to this menace while there is still time, he asserted.

While the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was launched on August 15, 2020 by the PM, Uttam said that for Manipur, the "Nisha Leitaba Manipur Oihallasi" campaign was launched much earlier by the CM through the Social Welfare Department in 2018.At present, the campaign is in full force based on prevention and protection, he conveyed.

The police officer continued that drug addiction is a form of illness and cannot be solved by humiliating or discriminating the drug abusers.

Instead, they need de-addition treatment alongside their families.

In this, the responsibility of the parents/guardians needs to be determined.

Unless the dynamics of the family is rectified, the drug addiction cannot be treated and cured.

As such, even if a person leaves a rehabilitation centre after getting treated, there is high probability of the person relapsing if the family is not responsible.

Thus, rehabilitation centres alone are not enough to treat drug addiction but require the involvement and support of the family, he contended.

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