Experts for specific policy to check drug menace in Manipur

IMPHAL: On the occasion of International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, many academicians on Tuesday categorically emphasized the need to frame a specific policy to counter the growing drug menace in Manipur.

At a seminar organized by the Assam Rifles at its 26 Sector headquarters at Pallel in Chandel district bordering Myanmar, the speakers, including professors, legal experts, NGO workers and journalists stressed the need to check the menace, especially among school and college students.

Manipur is one of the six states in the country having high prevalence of AIDS. The state has 38,573 people infected with HIV and 698 died of the epidemic till March 2011. Altogether 19,455 people registered for Anti Retroviral Therapy (Art) till May 2011, said the Manipur Aids Control Society (Macs).

The state, which is also one of the largest suppliers and consumers of illicit opium products, ranks third in the nation based on percentage of drug users . The trend of drug abuse is on the rise with IDU accounting for 80.7 per cent HIV cases in the state in 2007.

Incidentally, Manipur is the transit route of drugs, including heroin, flowing from the notorious Golden Triangle via Myanmar. Detrimental to physical and mental health of the society, drugs are the highest single cause of domestic violence and mortality rate amongst youth in the age bracket of 25 to 35 years, said a survey conducted in 2010.

Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) Maj-Gen UK Gurung, who presided over the seminar, highlighted that the force, in collaboration with fellow anti-drug bodies, remained committed to the well being of people of the state .

Through this effort, the Assam Rifles was hoping to see a drug-free society in the state, he said.

Other speakers brought to the light the role of various agencies in combating the menace and curtailing its spread. They also pointed out the urgent need to address the problem by framing a policy which incoporates certain measures like drug education in school curriculum, effectively engaging the youth, and promoting dynamic partnership between youngsters and their families.