Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 24 2010:
In connection with the observance of 23rd International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a panel discussion on 'Collective effort in overcoming drug abuse, illicit trafficking and liberating HIV infection in Manipur' was held at Manipur Press Club here today.
Organised under the aegis of Coalition Against Drug Abuse and Alcohol (CADA), the discussion was moderated by chief editor of ISTV Yumnam Rupachandra.
Advocate Ng Tejkumar, president of Manipur Network of Positive People L Deepak, Commissioner of Excise HR Gonmei and Senior Extension Officer of Social Welfare Department A Kameshor were among the resource persons who presented papers during the discussion.
After a thorough discussion in the issue of drug abuse and its implication in Manipuri society, the session recommended among others that a committee be formed constituting the responsible persons representing the concerned departments for overcoming drug abuse, illicit trafficking and reverting HIV infection in the State.
Other recommendations include urging the Government of Manipur to review the existing Acts and laws to deal with drug abuse and illicit trafficking, inclusion of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS in school education curriculum, uniform regulation of the cost of treatment in all drug rehabilitation centres, to urge the Government of Manipur to frame police on drug abuse and illicit trafficking and to open drug rehabilitation centre in every district of the State as well as sustainability policy of the recovering substance users be framed by the Government of Manipur.
Furthermore, the session recommended that sensitisation and networking programmes be taken up throughout the State for collective involvement of the NGOs, clubs, civil societies, organisations and the people in general in overcoming drug abuse, illicit and reverting HIV infection in the State and NGOs, civil societies and other organisations be supported and cooperated by the law enforcing agencies in overcoming drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Lastly, the session recommended that media be urged to publish information to educate the people on drug abuse, illicit trafficking and HIV/AIDS at least once a month.