Imphal, June 26, 2019 (DIPR): The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed today at the Maharaja Chandrakirti Auditorium, Hafta Kangjeibung, Palace Compound, Imphal East. The theme of this year’s observance is “Health for Justice, Justice for health.”

The observance was attended by Agriculture, Vety & AH Minister Shri V.Hangkhanlian, Social Welfare & Cooperation Minister Smt. Nemcha Kipgen, Education & Labour & Employment Minister Shri Thokchom Radheshyam Singh, Principal Secretary (Social Welfare) Shri V.Vumlunmang IAS, and President In-Charge, Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) as Chief Guest, President and Guests of honour respectively. Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest Minister Hangkhanlian said the substance abuse of drugs and alcohol are rampant among today’s youngsters.

The state is being faced with an ugly situation of abusing drugs, especially among the youths and students. So in order to tackle these problems, the State Government under the Social Welfare Department has been taken up steps to root out the problems of drugs abuse by opening rehabilitation and other programmes.

Strong determination is essential to get rid of drug problems. The minister urged for the cooperation of all the people for making Manipur a drug free state. While delivering Presidential speech, Minister Shri Th. Radheshyam Singh emphasised on the importance of taking proper care of drugs abusers and to deal them with love, care and understanding. Those accustomed to intoxicants must be given awareness and make ways for them for their return to normal life.

The Government and people’s effort can prevent them from entering into drug abuse which is social diseases, he added. Social Welfare Minister Smt. Nemcha Kipgen said that International Day Against Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observing at international level every year.

The day is observed not only to give awareness about the danger of drugs abuse but also plans and policies of the government taken up together with the NGOs. Let us make a happy life and society. She pointed out that most of the youths are involved in drugs and alcohol neglect in their duty of studying, lost time and health and become a hindrance for the development of society is unfortunate today. She urged parents to cast their eyes towards their wards from trying to indulge in intoxicants, drinking alcohol and play an important role in drugs abuse.

Lets us be far away from alcoholism and abuse of drugs. Let’s try to acknowledge our youths that indulging in drugs and alcohol will never solve any problem. For making Manipur a drug free state, the Department of Social welfare has opened twenty “Integrated Rehabilitation Centres” for the treatment of addicted peoples. Many of the addicted persons come back to their normal life today through these centres.

Apart from the social welfare department, some other departments are also taking up various programmes in connection with Drugs Abuse Prevention. Under the initiative of the Social Welfare Department and together with NGOs and civil organisations, draft for Drug Policy is finalised now, she added. Principal Secretary (Social Welfare) Shri V.Vumlunmang, IAS, President In-charge, Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) Shri Hijam Priyokumar Singh and Director, Social Welfare Shri Ngangom Uttam Singh also delivered a speech on the occasion.

Staff, students and other dignitaries from different departments and schools also participate in the observance. As part of the programme, prizes were distributed to the winners of district and state level painting competitions which was held on 20th June 2019. The prizes carried cash and certificates.