Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 26 2009:
The Coalition Against Drug and Alcohol (CADA) has concluded its week long anti-drug campaign with the observation of the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking at Kangla Hall, Imphal.
On the occasion, the body renewed its stand to intensify the drive against drug abuse and alcohol.
It also decided to go in hand with like minded groups in the drive to eliminate intoxicant items from the soil of the state and make participation in the drive by all section of the society.
CADA held the discussion session with MLA Bijoy Koijam, President of CADA head office, Keisham Ongbi Taruni and the President of All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU), S Hemant as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.
Associate Professor Psychiatry of RIMS, Dr RK Lenin and Professor of Economics N Mohendra also took part in discussion as resource persons.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Bijoy Koijam stressed the need of going together by all section of the society leaving behind self consciousness for an effective drive against drug abuse and alcohol.
He also observed that the poor economic condition of the people compelled people in engaging in drug trafficking and other intoxicant items as by doing his business, they could earn money in an easy manner without much labour.
It is upto the individual level to stop abusing drugs and other intoxicant items.
It cannot be prevented by CADA or underground or any other organizations, he further said stressing the need of awareness at the individual level.
Speaking as resource person, professor N Mohendro estimated the number of people eating pan in the state at 6.21 lakhs, drinking wine at 3.87 lakhs and 5.47 as smokers.
A blood donation camp was also held in association with the RIMS Hospital on the day like the previous years.
Around 45 volunteers of CADA donated blood in the camp.
CADA has also organized a group convention today which was initiated by a key note address of its general secretary Sagolsem Beikul.
Members of CADA and some other selected representatives of civil organizations discussed on various issues related with the influence of drugs and other narcotic substances upon the economy, social and political aspects in the society during the meeting.
The meeting resolved to root out drugs and other narcotic substances from the society by intensifying the drive with public supports.