Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today attended the nationwide launch of the “Nasha Mukta Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan” held at the Auditorium of Manipur University. The programme, organised by the NSS Cell, Manipur University in collaboration with the State NSS Cell under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the event with nationwide virtual interaction with youth across the country from New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the nationwide virtual interaction said that as the nation has set the goal of a Viksit Bharat, it is imperative that the country’s youth remain physically and mentally fit, brimming with self-confidence, and permanently steer clear of destructive habits like drugs. He also urged every citizen, especially our youth, to join this movement
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 can only be realised with a healthy, disciplined and drug-free youth. He urged the young people of Manipur to actively participate in nation-building by staying away from drugs and contributing positively towards the development of the State and the country.
Recalling the period when drug abuse was at its peak, the Chief Minister shared that he consciously chose to remain away from narcotic substances, which enabled him to dedicate himself to public service. He encouraged the youth to make similar choices and become responsible citizens capable of leading Manipur towards a brighter future.
Expressing concern over the increasing incidence of substance abuse, the Chief Minister said that interactions with various NGOs revealed disturbing instances of organised networks supplying drugs to young people, even through various means. He assured that the Government remains committed to intensifying its fight against drug trafficking and protecting the youth from the harmful effects of narcotics.
Highlighting the State’s strategic importance under the Act East Policy, the Chief Minister stated that Manipur is poised to become the gateway to Southeast Asia. He informed that the Government is working towards completion and utilisation of the railway network to Imphal by December 2028, which will further strengthen connectivity, trade and economic opportunities extending towards Moreh and neighbouring countries. He emphasised that such opportunities can only be fully realised if the younger generation remains free from the menace of drugs.
The Chief Minister further stressed that peace is the foundation of development. Referring to the unprecedented crisis that has affected the State over the past three years, he appealed to all communities to move forward with mutual understanding and work collectively towards restoring lasting peace. He reiterated that the Government will ensure justice against those responsible for acts of violence while continuing efforts to bridge the trust deficit among communities and facilitate free and secure movement across the State.
Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, also addressed the gathering and urged students to honour the anti-drug pledge taken during the programme by becoming ambassadors of awareness in their localities, schools and colleges. He called upon the youth to work collectively towards building a drug-free society.
A pledge for a drug-free India was also administered during the programme, reaffirming the commitment of participants to stay away from intoxicants and spread awareness against substance abuse.
Prof. M. Premjit Singh, Registrar, Manipur University; NSS Cell, Manipur University; faculty members, NSS volunteers, students and other dignitaries attended the event.
