Imphal, June 26 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday stressed that building a healthy and progressive society requires collective efforts to eliminate drug abuse, urging people, especially the youth, to stay away from narcotics.

Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Chief Minister flagged off a 10-km Mega Awareness Run under the theme “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses” from the Western Gate of the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal.

Addressing the gathering, Singh appreciated the enthusiastic participation of the runners and expressed happiness at seeing a large number of energetic and health-conscious youths taking part in the awareness programme. He raised the slogan “No to Drugs” during the event and led the gathering, including senior dignitaries, in taking and signing a pledge against drug abuse.

Later, in a post on his X account, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the fight against narcotics. “The message is clear: ‘Yes to Life, No to Drugs.’ The Manipur government remains firmly committed to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking through prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation and public participation,” Singh said.

Speaking on the occasion, Manipur Director General of Police (DGP) Mukesh Singh said that the battle against drug abuse and illicit trafficking cannot be fought by the police alone and requires active support and participation from every section of society.

“The fight against drugs is not solely the responsibility of the Manipur Police. We expect the entire population of the state to actively participate in this mission to make Manipur drug-free,” the DGP said.

The police chief himself participated in the 10-km Mega Awareness Run in the men’s 40-plus category, underscoring the police department’s commitment to the anti-drug campaign.

The programme, organised by the Manipur Police Department, was attended by Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Chief Secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, senior civil and police officials, and other dignitaries.

Around 1,300 participants, including a large number of women, took part in the 10-km Mega Awareness Run, which was conducted in four different categories. The winners in each category will receive cash prizes of Rs 10,000 for the first position, Rs 5,000 for the second position and Rs 3,000 for the third position. In addition, selected participants will be awarded consolation prizes of Rs 1,000 each.

Manipur, along with neighbouring Mizoram, has emerged as one of the major drug trafficking corridors in Northeast India due to its long and largely unfenced international border with Myanmar. Transnational drug syndicates have frequently exploited these porous frontiers to smuggle narcotics and other contraband into India, posing a major challenge to security agencies.

Five districts of Manipur — Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kamjong and Ukhrul — share a 398-km-long unfenced international border with Myanmar, making surveillance and enforcement operations particularly challenging for law enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, at the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in New Delhi earlier this month, Chief Minister Singh highlighted security and law-and-order concerns arising from the ongoing conflict in Myanmar. He underscored the urgent need for stronger border management, enhanced surveillance systems and better coordination among central and state agencies to effectively curb drug trafficking, arms smuggling and human trafficking along the India-Myanmar border.

The Chief Minister informed the meeting that the Ministry of Home Affairs has completed fencing of 50 km of the India-Myanmar border to check illegal arms and drug smuggling, while construction of an additional 80-km stretch is already underway.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to the anti-drug campaign, Singh said the state administration would continue to work closely with central agencies and security forces to strengthen anti-narcotics operations and ensure that Manipur remains at the forefront of the fight against drug trafficking and organised cross-border crime in the region.

–IANS

sc/uk