Hundreds rally against drug abuse, trafficking

OSR & DIPR
IMPHAL, Mar 7: Chief Minister N Biren Singh flagged off a mass rally, which carried a message about the impacts of drug abuse and trafficking on Manipuri society, from the Western Gate of Kangla today. The rally was organi-zed by User Connection Su- pportive Committee Kang-leipak (UCSCK) under the aegis of Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK).
Children, youth, recovered drug addicts, Thang-Ta players, transgenders, differently abled persons, senior citizens, womenfolk and nursing students took part in the rally.
Speaking to media persons at the flag off function, the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction in receiving overwhelming support from the public towards the Government's war on drugs. He said that the Government launched the campaign to curb drug abuse, trafficking and  poppy cultivation to save Manipuri society and its future generations.
The Chief Minister said that the movement against illegal drugs requires public cooperation and support. China’s movement against opium was successful because of the overwhelming public support it received, he added.
Stating that the campaign against drugs, with immense support from the public, is now gaining momentum and is sure to succeed, he expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the people of Manipur for taking pledges to end poppy cultivation and taking out mass rallies against drugs across the State.
He mentioned that different communities and organisations in the hill districts of the State had recently taken a pledge to end poppy cultivations in their respective areas.
Further stressing the importance of mass involvement in creating awareness against drugs through rallies and campaigns, he appreciated the UCSCK, CCSK and the public for organising the mega rally and taking part in it.
CCSK president, Jitendra Ningomba  said many of the problems in Manipuri society have their roots in drug abuse and trafficking. As the problems of illegal drugs pose a great threat to the future of society, these problems need to be addressed swiftly.
The rally held under the theme “No to Drugs, Yes to Life” was aimed at generating awareness on the harmful effects of illegal use and trafficking of drugs. Parents, guardians and the community should teach children and youth about the impacts of drug abuse and advise them to stay away from illegal drugs, he said.
He also spoke about the problem of alcohol and stated that people should ensure Manipur is a dry State.
The mass rally which started at the Western Gate of Kangla proceeded towards North AOC, Hatta Minuthong, New Checkon and culminated at BOAT (Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre) at Palace Compound with a public meeting.    
Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker, Yumnam Khemchand, RIMS Psychiatry Department’s Head Dr RK Lenin  and CCSK president Jitendra Ningomba attended the meeting as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.
At the meeting, Y Khemchand appealed and advised children and youths to stay away from illegal drugs and lead healthy lives.
He also sought cooperation and support of the public in facing the problems of drugs.