Imphal, February 17: All Manipur Anti-Drug Association (AMADA) has called for a concerted effort in fighting against the menace of drug abuse among the people, specially among the youngsters in the State.

Addressing a press conference at the Keishampat office of the Association today, AMADA president L Tomba Meitei said the only possible way of uprooting the menace of drug abuse from Manipuri society to join hand by all the people and the organisation and launched a mass campaign collectively.

The problem of drug in Manipuri society could not be taken lightly, he said, adding that despite the efforts being made by various organisations in their own best possible way, the menace of drug abuse has been on the rise.

Many people have lost their lives to drug, others have been arrested and punished, the drug seized during the campaign have been destroyed and stern warning given to drug abusers and peddlers alike, but there has been no let in the number of drug addicts and peddlers, he expressed concerned.

In view of this, AMADA, which was initially floated under the name of Anti-Drug Association after 15 different bodies came together with the sole objective of fighting the drug menace in Bashikhong, Kongba Erong and Kiyamgei has assumed the present name on December 31, 2005 so that area of operation of the Association could be expanded, Tomba said, adding that Yumkhaibam Tejuddin Khan is the secretary general of the Association.

While informing that District and local councils of the Association would be set in due course of time, Tomba said AMDA would be soon announced its programme and policy to fight against the drug menace.

Meanwhile, a branch of AMADA has been reportedly formed during a meeting presided over by AMADA general secretary Yumkhaibam Tejuddin Khan at the Kakching Khunou Kshetri Leikai residence of Kshetrimayum Pakchao Meitei today.

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