Imphal, February 16: With representatives of AMSU, MSF, CADA and AMADA, resource persons from Manipur University, doctors and members of women's organisations, a seminar on the theme �Drug Abuse - A Social Concern In Manipur� was held today at Hotel Mass under the aegis of Constella Futures.

During the seminar, representatives of AMSU, MSF, AMADA and CADA deliberated on the topic �Perspectives on Drug Control�.

An AMSU representative observed that the principal factor for youth taking to drugs was the lack of attention and vigil towards them on the part of parents and guardians.

He stressed on the necessity to change the general mode of penalising drug abusers in the endeavour to bring back the youth on the right path who have gone astray.

He called upon the NGOs engaged in anti-drug drive to eliminate all forms of communication gap amongst them and to put forward their line of action in public.

Demerits and evil consequences of drug abuse as well as means and ways to keep away youth from drugs should be included in the school syllabi, starting from primary level, suggested the speaker who represented MSF.

Stating that complete elimination of drug abuse would remain an impracticable task, CADA representative, nevertheless, asserted that drug abuse can be checked to a certain extent.

Questioning the functions of the State Government machineries meant to control drug abuse, the CADA speaker asserted that the State officials have been exploiting the vulnerable youth of the State to earn huge money in collusion with big drug traffickers.

He lamented the alleged ill-feeling harboured by State officials against social organisations working to contain the menace of drug abuse in Manipur.

Long term vision and principled strategy are the basic requirements in the movement to check drug abuse in Manipur, said the AMADA representative.

Appealing to the people not to misunderstand social organisations such as CADA, AMADA etc campaigning against drug abuse, he clarified that any case of AMADA reprimanding drug abusers was done without a tinge of evil intention but just to bring them back on the right path.

Representative of the Salai Apunba Nupi Lup called upon the people not to harass drug abusers but to wean them away from their habit with love and care in consultation with experts.

Speaking in the seminar, Dr Dhanabir Laishram emphasised on the necessity to find out the main causes for the extensive drug abuse in the State.

He maintained that the problem can be addressed only when the root causes are effectively negated.

Dean of Social Sciences MU Prof Joykumar noted that if any person dependent on selling or trading drugs or liquor for his/her livelihoodis prohibited from indulging in the trade, then an alternative means of livelihood should be provided to them first.

The seminar was moderated by senior journalist Irengbam Arun.

The inaugural session of the seminar was attended by MACS director Dr Kh Pramodkumar, NACO consultant Dr Khomdon Lisam and Dr Santibala as resource persons.

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