Imphal: The Department of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur, commemorated the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 2024, on Wednesday at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) auditorium in Palace Compound, Imphal East.
The event, themed ‘The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,’ aimed to raise awareness and promote preventive measures against drug abuse.
Social Welfare Minister Heikham Dingo Singh, the chief guest at the event, reflected on the origins of this observance dating back to December 7, 1987. He emphasized the alarming rise in drug abuse among youth and students, attributing the crisis to the easy availability of drugs.
The Minister expressed deep concern over the challenges faced by young individuals in breaking free from substance abuse once addicted. He called on all stakeholders to join forces with the government to combat the widespread drug problem in educational institutions.
Highlighting the environmental impact of drugs, he described the issue as a ‘war on nature’ and underscored the importance of maintaining good health by avoiding substance abuse to achieve peace and harmony in the state.
Dr. A. Jayanta Kumar Singh, Director of the State Level Coordinating Agency, Manipur, addressed the gathering, stressing the significance of observing this day. He pointed to the lack of awareness and public participation as key factors contributing to increased drug use. Dr. Singh called for resource allocation, political mobilization, stakeholder collaboration, and evidence-based policy programs to tackle the drug menace effectively.
Ngangom Uttam Singh, Director of Social Welfare, urged all rehabilitation centers to follow departmental guidelines strictly. He appealed to the heads of educational institutions to install necessary surveillance systems to identify and apprehend drug peddlers. Additionally, he recommended creating student clubs, organizing low-budget awareness programs, and setting up open crisis intervention centers at every school, emphasizing that early treatment is the best treatment.
The event also featured the distribution of prizes to winners of the State Level Painting Competition and Short Video Film Competition. Participants took a pledge as part of the observance.
Officials and staff of the Social Welfare Department, invitees, and school students attended the function.
