Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday said rising of drug and intoxicants abuse has become a major concern in the state.
Chief Minister Singh urged the womenfolk of the state to take up cudgel against the menace.
Singh said this while addressing the inauguration of first-ever 10-day-long North East Women Drama Festival at Khenjonglang Theatre Complex in Imphal.
He said that thousands of men have lost their lives due to intoxication, leaving behind their wives and children.
The theatre festival is hosted by Khengjonglang in collaboration with Sangeet Natak Akademi and Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy.
Well-known women theatre directors from across Northeast are taking part in the festival.