Imphal: A one-day drug awareness programme was held today at the Battalion Hall of the 2nd Battalion Manipur Rifles (2nd MR), Imphal, to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The event, which began at 11:30 a.m., saw participation from over 200 people, including officers and jawans of the 2nd MR and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with students and teachers of the 2nd MR School.
The function was presided over by Smt. Sarangthem Asana, IPS, Commandant, 2nd Battalion Manipur Rifles. Other members on the presidium included Shri H. Basurlal Singh, MPS, Deputy Commandant (Adjutant); Shri Jenee Thoidingjam, MPS, Deputy Commandant (Administration); and Shri Sheikh Muhammed Hussain Ahmed, MPS, Assistant Commandant, 2nd Battalion Manipur Rifles.
Shri Montu Ahanthem, Secretary of Wide Angle (Social Development Organisation) and former member of the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights, and Dr. Wakambam Joyson, Deputy Director, Manipur AIDS Control Society (MACS), were the principal resource persons.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Montu Ahanthem outlined the global and regional drug situation, focusing on challenges in Manipur. He said young people remain vulnerable to substance abuse, with opioids like heroin, cannabis, WY tablets, and the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs among the commonly abused substances. He noted that earlier punitive approaches such as mass arrests, compulsory testing, and coercive enforcement had largely failed, with relapse rates reported at 80–95 percent. These methods, he said, did not reduce overdose deaths or curb infectious diseases. He stressed that evidence-based harm reduction interventions have proven more effective in improving health outcomes and supporting access to treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
Dr. Wakambam Joyson spoke on the health risks of drug use, particularly the heightened risk of HIV transmission among people who inject drugs. He highlighted the need for prevention, early intervention, treatment, and community participation to reduce the burden of substance abuse and HIV.
Shri Sheikh Muhammed Hussain Ahmed presented on key provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and its role in combating drug trafficking and illicit substance abuse.
The programme ended with participants taking a pledge to strengthen efforts against drug abuse through awareness, education, prevention, treatment, and community-based support, reaffirming their commitment to a healthier, drug-free society.
