International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed across Manipur

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed at multiple locations across Manipur with a call to invest in prevention and break the cycle of addiction. This year’s observance was held under the global theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Cycle.”
A major observance was jointly organised at the Conference Hall of JNIMS, Porompat, by the Lamyanba Irawat Memorial Integrated Trust (LIMIT) Manipur, Department of Psychiatry, JNIMS, and the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS), Manipur State Branch (MSP).
The event was graced by Dr. Lokeshwar Singh, Medical Superintendent of JNIMS; Dr. Koijam Shantibala Devi, HOD Psychiatry Department, JNIMS & President, IPPS, MSP; Ima Lourembam Nganbi, Chief Advisor of LIMIT Manipur & President of AMKIL; and Sinthangamba Lourembam, Chairman of Youth of Manipur. Dr. Nelson Loitongbam, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, JNIMS and General Secretary, IPS, MSP, served as one of the resource persons and spoke on the scientific approaches to drug prevention and community healing.
At the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, the Department of Psychiatry held a similar programme to underline the urgent need for effective and evidence-based measures to counter drug abuse and promote mental well-being.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. S. Gojendra Singh, Head of the Psychiatry Department at RIMS, addressed the rising trend of substance use among the youth. He called for enhanced preventive education, timely intervention, and coordinated efforts from all sectors to combat the crisis.
Dr. R.K. Lenin Singh, Professor of Psychiatry, emphasized the importance of integrating mental health services with anti-addiction campaigns, urging greater community engagement and institutional backing to reduce the social impact of drug use.
The event saw active participation from faculty, postgraduate and junior residents, psychiatric social workers, nursing staff, Tele-MANAS staff, and other project teams under the department.
In Kakching, the Kha Manipur Yoga & Nature Cure Association organised a special observance at Anandsing Yoga & Nature Cure Research Hospital. Speaking at the programme, SP Kakching Priyadashini Laishram highlighted the devastating consequences of drug abuse and the importance of preventive strategies rooted in physical and mental wellness.
Meanwhile, in Jiribam, the District Administration and District Police jointly marked the day with a Walkathon from Irawat Chowk to Echel Club Ground, Dibong. The march began at 9:30 am under the leadership of Superintendent of Police, Jiribam, Sheikh Mohd Zaib Zakir, IPS. Participants included personnel from the District Police, 87 Battalion CRPF, students and teachers of Kasturba Girls High School, as well as district-level officers.
Carrying placards and banners bearing anti-drug slogans, the Walkathon aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse while encouraging community involvement in building a healthier, drug-free society. The District Administration stated that the event was a part of their continuing efforts to engage the public in informed decision-making and promote holistic well-being.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was also observed by the NSS Cell of Manipur University, Canchipur. In connection with the day a a one-day awareness programme on the theme “Mission–Drug Free Campus” was organised under the banner of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, an initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Higher Education, Government of India.
The programme brought together key figures from academia and civil society. Prof. N. Rajmuhon Singh, former Vice-Chancellor of D.M. University, Imphal, attended as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included Prof. Ch. Ibohal Singh, Dean of Students’ Welfare, Manipur University; Dr. Kh. Herachandra Singh, Programme Officer of NSS Unit-I, Manipur University; Ningthoujam Roshan Singh, President of the Indian Drug Users Forum, as Guest of Honour; and Dr. Laishram Santosh Singh, Programme Coordinator of the NSS Cell, who presided over the function.
Coalition Against Drug & Alcohol (CADA) Manipur also observed the day at HRA Academy , Ghari. Psychiatrist Dr. S. Manikanta and Advocate Dr. Ch. Narendra attended as resource persons.