IMPHAL, June 26: The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illelcit Trafficking was widely observed in the State today.
The Social Welfare department in collaboration with the FINGODAP-Manipur Chapter had organised the day at the Kangsang, Khuman Lampak under the theme “Make health your New High in life not drugs.”
During the function, the Social Welfare minister Ak Mirabai had assured a State Drug policy to fight drug abuse in the State.
There are around 20 NGOs dealing with the issue in the State, she said.
She further appealed to the organisation to help fight the issue and make the State a drug free society while assuring all possible help from her department in this regard.
The department alone cannot eradicate drug abuse and need to fight together with the public under a proper policy, she added.
Use of drugs by woman which is prevalent these days is unfortunate, the minister lamented before adding that only observing the day will not help in rooting out the ill.
Around 60 students from different schools attended the function and many took part in the State level ex-tempo speech competition, she said.
Meanwhile, according to a DIPR press release, the day was also observed at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal organised by the All Manipur Anti Drug Association (AMADA).
The function was attended by deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as chief guest while Heingang MLA N Biren and Naoriya Pakhanglakpa MLA RK Anand, attended as presidium members.
President, AMADA Mayai Loisang M Padamini Leima, SP Narcotics
Control Bureau, Imphal KV Robinson Gangte and Ph Gunachandra Sharma, president, MSSLC were also present as guests of honour, it said.
Addressing at the function Gaikhangam appreciated AMADA and other civil organizations in the state for their role in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
He termed their movement as very encouraging, it said.
According to the statement, the deputy Chief Minister also appealed to the people not to take up law in their own hands while fighting against such social evils and to refrain from any form of mob justice.
He stated that it is high time that people should do away with the culture of mob justice.
He further asked the people to rise together to eliminate all kinds of social evils, it said.
Earlier in the morning, the deputy Chief Minister had flagged off a rally in connection with the observance from Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen. The rally was participated by volunteers of AMADA along with members of several other civil organizations of the state including students and meira paibis, it said.
A Sumang Khumhei 11 Mangluraba Lalli was also presented in the afternoon in connection with the observation at the Iboyaima Sumang Leela Shanglen.
Meanwhile, the Coalition against Drugs and Alcohol has stated that it has organised International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Lamsang Bazaar Community hall under the theme ‘Make health your new high in life, not drugs’ on June 26 at 11.30 am.
The program was attended by Adv. Ngangbam Nongyai, Former Member of Manipur Human Rights Commission, Ningthoujam Doren, President (in
Charge), Ksh. (o) Rashi. President of Nupi Khunai Lamsang, Irungbam Birjit, President of Progressive Youth Association, Lamsang Bazaar and Koijam Modhu, Social Worker were chief guest, president and guest of honours respectively. Students of Praja High School Lamsang also attended the program.
During the program, the Chief Guest stated that it is necessary to promote drugs policy to fight the rising drug problems in the State.
Also, Guest of Honour, Modhu also stated that it is necessary for parents to be aware of the problems caused by drugs.
President of the program further expressed that drugs must be stop in order and support is needed from the society in order to build a better future said a release of the Secretary of Information and Publicity, CADA.