‘Drug use linked to Manipur ethnic crisis’

Imphal: The present ethnic crisis in Manipur could be closely linked to drug use, as the rapid increase in drug demand has led to the rise of drug mafias and certain ethnic groups engaging in large-scale poppy cultivation and illicit drug trafficking.

This was said secretary of ‘The Overcomers’, Sagolshem Herojit during a one-day awareness programme on “Drug Use and Its Related Harm,” held at the multipurpose hall of Naorem Birahari College, Imphal East, on Saturday.

The event was organised by ‘The Overcomers and Naorem Birahari College (NSS Unit 1, 2, and IQAC)’ and sponsored by the department of Social Welfare, Manipur.

Speaking as a resource person, Herojit emphasized the far-reaching harms of drug use, which not only affects an individual’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being but also undermines the potential and productivity of society as a whole.

He said an enormous sum of money has been wasted on drug use over the past four decades.

According to the 2019 report by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, there are an estimated 34,344 intravenous drug users in the state. Including other forms of drug use, the total number of drug users may exceed one lakh. With the increasing availability of cheap drugs in recent years, this number is likely to rise.

“If an average drug user spends a minimum of Rs 500 per day on drugs, the total daily expenditure amounts to Rs 5 crore, and Rs 1,825 crore annually. This sum could have made a significant contribution to society if it had been spent on constructive causes,” Herojit said.

Naorem Birahari College Principal Irom Kunjabati, said such awareness programmes provide crucial knowledge about the harmful effects of drug use. This knowledge not only benefits the participating students but also empowers them to spread the message to others.