AMADA's cycle-rally flagged off
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 21: A six day long cycle rally organised by AMADA in connection with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was flagged off from Kangla by MLA T Mangibabu today.

About 360 anti-drug campaigners including 80 women clad in full sleeve yellow shirts with matching caps pedalled down the Tiddim road through Keishampat on their way to Churachandpur, the rally's first destination.

Street corner meetings and street plays will be regular features of the week long observance at different parts of the State.

AMADA kicked off its observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by screening a short film and poetry collection yesterday.

Cycle rally being organised by AMADA in connection with the anti-drug day being flagged off from Kangla Gate

One Moirangthem Natumbi (70) who is among the rallyists said "At this age, I ought to rest in my home looking after my family but I believe I should do something against the menace of drug abuse which is eating into every sphere of our society".

Ningombam Ramani, a veteran sports woman quipped, "I have joined the rally for the cause of the society and to save the youths from the jaws of drugs".

Speaking at the flagging off ceremony, MLA Mangibabu hailed the efforts of AMADA towards combating drug abuse and alcoholism in the State.

He noted that the sustained campaign of AMADA has been successful in reducing the degree of drug abuse, consumption and peddling of liquor to a certain extent.

Nevertheless, Mangibabu advised AMADA not to go beyond the law while proceeding with their campaign.

He also donated Rs 5000 to the organisers of the week long observance.

AMADA president L Tomba maintained that its anti-drug campaign was launched in accordance with the suggestions of the people.

The cycle rally flagged off today will cover six districts of the State within six days.

The cyclists reached Churachandpur today at about 7.30 pm and they were received by people of different communities at Kut ground.

Deviating from their earlier plan the cyclists will halt at Kwakta tonight as the accommodation at CCpur was not convenient.