With the distribution of various prizes for many state level contests including the slogan competition, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was widely observed in Manipur on Wednesday.
The day was observed under the theme ‘Health For Justice, Justice For Health’.
A student of New Era Higher Secondary School Thoubal was awarded for writing the best slogan ‘It’s not lie, drug will make your mama cry’ of the year on the occasion.
Manipur agriculture minister V Hangkhanlian, education minister Th Radheshyam Singh, social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen, principal secretary (Social Welfare) V Vumlunmang, president in-charge H Priyokumar Singh of Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol and director(Social Welfare) Ngangom Uttam Singh attended the state level observation in Imphal.
Speaking on the occasion, minister Hangkhanlian said strong determination is essential to get rid of the drug problems as the substance abuse of drugs and alcohol are rampant among today’s youngsters.
Stating that the State is facing ugly situation of abusing drugs especially among the youths and students, he urged for cooperation of all the people for making Manipur a drug free state by supporting the initiatives taken up by the government.
In his speech, education minister Radheshyam Singh highlighted the importance of taking proper care of drugs abusers and to deal them with love, care and understanding.
On the other hand, social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen said that day is observed not only to give awareness about the danger of drugs abuse but also plans and policies of the government taken up together with the NGOs. Let us make a happy life and society.
Staff, students and other representatives from different departments and schools also participated in the day’s observation wherein certificates and prizes along with cash awards were distributed to the winning students.
In another observation at Indian Medical Association hall in Imphal, health and family welfare minister L Jayantakumar Singh has said that drug abuse is a menace which needs a complete solution.There are also reports of observing the day at many places.