Correspondent
IMPHAL, Jun 26: Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh called for stronger public participation in the fight against drug abuse as the state joined the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in a widespread manner.
Apart from various NGOs, concerned departments of the Manipur government hosted various events to mark the observance of the day.
The chief minister attended the separate observances hosted by the state social welfare department and police department in Imphal.
The state social welfare department observed the day under the theme “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
Addressing the event, Singh stressed that a stronger public participation was the need of the hour to fight against drug abuse.
He added that the responsibility of creating a drug-free society extends beyond the government and law enforcement to every citizen, local club, Meira Paibi group and civil society organisations.
He narrated that during the late 70s, many youths started using heroin and drugs. However, at that time heroin was extremely expensive and it was largely affordable only to the children from rich families. But things have changed now, he said, adding that now drug peddlers often allowed users to purchase drugs on credit.
“This practice has made the drug users get easy access to drugs,” he added.
The chief minister observed a change in the pattern of drug trafficking routes in the region following the violent crisis unfolded in the state in May 2023.
He said, “In the wake of the 2023 crisis in Manipur, the route for drug trafficking had significantly changed.” The drugs trafficking routes have largely been diverted through Mizoram state, while smaller quantities continued to be routed from Moreh to Churachandpur via roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), he said. According to him, after reaching Churachandpur, the nearest point for their distribution of the thus smuggled drugs is Kwakta.
The chief minister recalled his recent interaction with Kwakta based CSOs and said that they (CSOs) informed him that nearly 70 percent of the youths in the area were indulging in drugs.
He continued that those adjoining areas to Kwakta like Moirang, Kumbi and Thanga have now become vulnerable.
Singh further narrated that as he was an active sports person during late seventies, he has never indulged in the use of drugs. He said that sports can be a big defense against the use of drugs among youths.
He believed that when the youths of the state engage in active participation in sports, it will foster the spirit to refrain from the usage of drugs.
Attending that event, commissioner (social welfare) Robert Singh Kshetrimayum stressed that drug addiction not only affects individuals but also has a devastating impact on their families.
Owing to substance abuse, he pointed out that many talented youths have failed to realize their potential and achieve success in life.
“The menace of drug addiction knows no boundaries, affecting people irrespective of their economic background, gender, or age,” he said.
However, according to state data on substance abuse, a significant percentage of those addicted to drugs are individuals below the age of 20 years old, he added. Earlier in the day, the chief minister attended a flagging-off ceremony of the 10 km Mega Awareness Run, organised by the state police department.
While flagging off the awareness run from the Western Gate of Kangla in Imphal, the chief minister stressed that to foster a good society, the people must refrain from using drugs.
Singh appreciated all the participants of the awareness run and said that he was happy to witness healthy youths.
He raised the slogan “No to Drugs” during the gathering. And, he led the other dignitaries in signing a pledge against drugs.
Manipur police DGP Mukesh Singh, who himself also participated in the men’s 40-plus category of the run, stated that “this is a fight not only undertaken by the Manipur police but expect the entire population of the state to actively take part in the fight against the drug abuse and illicit trafficking.”
State home minister Govindas Konthoujam, chief secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel and high-ranking police personnel were among others who attended the flagging off event.
Around 1,650 people from different walks of life participated in the 10 KM Mega Awareness Run, which was conducted in four categories: Open Men, Open Women, Men (40 years and above), and Women (40 years and above). Winners in each category will be awarded cash prizes of Rs 10,000 for the first position, Rs 5,000 for the second position, and Rs 3,000 for the third position.
In addition, a consolation prize of Rs 1,000 will be awarded to the selected participants, the organizer said.