International Day Against Drug Abuse observed across State
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 26 2014: The State today observed International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as in other parts of the globe.

The State level function was held at Khuman Lampak Kangshang with Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai and Social Welfare Principal Secretary SK Dev Verman gracing as chief guest and president respectively.

Social Welfare OSD SS Chabbra, FINGODAP, Manipur Chapter National President A Jayantakumar and Social Welfare Director Dr Rangitabali Waikhom also attended the function as guests of honour.

As part of the observance, an extempore speech competition for students was held.

Addressing the gathering, AK Mirabai said that the State Government is putting in its best effort to curb the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

She said that Imphal West district has recorded the highest rate of drug abuse in Manipur.

Encouraging the students who took part in the extempore speech competition, the Minister said that she was pleased to know that many students and youths are well aware about the ills of drug abuse and trafficking.

She also expressed concern that the State, which is known as the powerhouse of the country, is still plagued with high HIV prevalence rate.

The Minister also expressed concern that many women have also started indulging in drugs and other intoxicants.

However, around 20 NGOs are currently working to check spread of HIV/AIDS as well as drug abuse under Central Government funding, AK Mirabai added.

She also urged these NGOs to work with dedication rather than executing their assigned tasks with an intention to earn profits.

Maintaining that it is shocking to read about violence and rape cases on newspapers every now and then, AK Mirabai said that degradation of moral character has close connection with drug abuse.

As such, people must extend support and cooperation to Government law enforcing agencies and NGOs to check this menace, AK Mirabai said.

On the otherhand, Bishnu-pur District Police also organised different events at different areas of the district in connection with the day.

Apart from taking out rallies, awareness programmes to educate people on the ills of drug abuse and illicit trafficking were held at Bishnupur Bazar, Ningthoukhong Bazar and Moirang Bazar.

Under the aegis of District Police headquarters, Nambol Police Station organised slogan writing and painting competitions at Lainingthou Khoriphaba Haraobung.

88 students took part in the painting competition while 25 students in slogan competition.

Nambol Municipal Council Chairman H Somorendra, Bisnhupur District SP N Herojit, Additional SP (Ops) P Manjeet and Environmentalist Dr Khangenbam Shamungou were present as chief guest, president and guests of honour at the prize distribution function respectively.

N Herojit said that the rate of drug abuse and indulgence in intoxicants by teenagers including girls is increasing in Manipur.

Saying that the State has around 40,000 PLHIVs, Herojit said that the District Police would do its best to curb the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The day was also observed at Kondong Lairembi, Moreh by 9 Assam Rifles.

Students, teachers and NGO representatives took part in the function.

Under Community Based Drugs and AIDS Programme (CBDAP), Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS) also observed the day under the theme, 'Global action for healthy community without drugs' at Ukhrul town today.

Street awareness programmes were held at different areas of the district headquarters wherein songs were presented by popular Tangkhul artistes and pamphlets distributed.

Meanwhile, All Assam Rifles Units under Hqs IGAR (South) observed International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking' at Mantripukhri, Kakching, Pallel, Keithelmanbi, Somsai and various towns and villages across Manipur.

The events organised included awareness drives, lectures and movies on various types of drugs, their harmful effects on human body as well as on the society.

The Assam Rifles also organised anti-drug rally for the eradication of illegal drug business.

The local administration as well as prominent local citizens were co-opted in the drive which ensured that all events conducted through the day were a resounding success, said a press release issued by PRO Hqs IGAR (S) .

Manipur Police Department through the Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB), 'Manipur has been spreading the significance of observing the 'International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking" from June 23 .

The awareness campaign culminated today with a mass rally jointly organized by NAB, Manipur; NCB, Imphal Sub zone and AMADA followed by a public meeting at Iboyaima Sumang Lila Sanglen, Imphal East, Manipur.

NAB, Manipur has been creating awareness about the ill effects of Drug abuse and illicit trafficking in various places of Imphal city like Manipur University Campus, Manipur College, Imphal North AOC, Imphal, etc.

Moreover, the NAB outposts of Moreh and Churachanpur also spread awareness campaign at Moreh and Churachandpur town also, said a press release.

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