The ‘Realize Rehabilitation Centre’ held the 4th event of providing mid-day meals to the shelterless and homeless Drug Users in an around North AOC area joining hands with noted Film Actress Tonthoi Leishangthem and supported by Madam Rangitabali Waikhom, Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East from her Food Bank.

Altogether 30 Drug Users inclusive of 21 males and 9 females Drug User (FIDU) emerged from their hideouts to partake in the meals. Out of the 30 Drug Users, 2 female Drug Users volunteered to rehabilitate and were taken to Manjal Rehabilitation Centre at Torbungin Churachandpur District where they were escorted upto by Ole Wangheimayum and Tonthoi Leishangthem. 3 males Drug Users volunteered to be treated and were taken to Emergency Centre being organised at Ishikha, Imphal East under the care of CONE.

At this juncture, some criticism has arisen from one Maibam Jugesh questioning the utility and the futility of exposing the Drug Users in the eyes of the public.

Realize Rehabilitation Centre clarified that “the question remains as they should be allowed their lifeless bodies to be found on the streets and the police to have their bodies picked and registered as un-natural deaths” and have their bodies disposed off without any relatives.

In a statement released by the organisation it states that ‘to our critics, we would like to add that full anonymity about their identities is preserved. Taking a leaf out of the Bible let us not forget that Lord Jesus Christ had cared and tended those who were suffering from Leprosy’.

They wish their gratitude to R.K.Nalinikanta Singh, President of CONE for his leadership in bringing about together all the privately run Rehabilitation Centres under one umbrella in the face of the COVID-19.