Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 05:
Despite huge amounts of money pumped in by the State Government to check abuse and smuggling of drugs, its effectiveness remains doubtful, said programme coordinator L Krishnamohan in his key note address of the one day discussion programme on prohibition and abuse of drugs held yesterday at Moreh veterinary campus.
Krishnamohan added that inspite several check posts installed to check smuggling of contraband and illegal items, there is free flow of these items including drugs.
He also mulled of people's participation while checking goods at these check posts and ensure that such items are not smuggled into the State.
He disclosed that such anti-drug awareness campaigns kickstarted at Moreh would be held at border areas which served as entry points for these banned drugs including Jiribam, Mao, Ukhrul, Sekmai etc.
The programme organised by All Manipur Anti-Drug Association in collaboration with Border Area Development Centre adopted a number of resolutions which included initiation of concrete steps to save the society from the drug menace, to put up a united and determined struggle to this end, extensive awareness campaign against drug abuse and consumption of intoxicants in every locality and setting up of a branch office of All Manipur Anti-Drug Association at Moreh to facilitate prohibition of drug abuse at the border town with the help of all sections of society.
The programme was attended by MLA Korungthang and president of AMADA, L Tomba as chief guest and president respectively.
Moreover it was attended by a large number of social leaders belonging to all communities and sections of life.
Addressing as guest of honour, MLA N Biren opined that democratic political set up in Manipur is too early.
Democracy does not mean that anybody can do or speak whatever he/ she likes, he added.
Biren observed that it is not the duty of people but for the State to struggle against drug abuse.
President of AMWJU, Bijoy Kakchingtabam noted that everybody needs to take part in the campaign against drug and it would be successful only when a concerted and determined effort is put into it.
He asserted that to wean drug abusers away from their destructive habit and to spread awareness, the State Government must open a rehabilitation centre in addition to a specific policy and line of actions to curtail drug menace in the State.
A common minimum programme should be implemented by one and all to prevent drug abuse, added Bijoy.
Erstwhile drug abuser, Bobo observed that majority of the youths all over the State abuse drugs and consumed intoxicants while it is almost 5 percent in Imphal areas.