IT News
Imphal, Aug 26:
Concerned CSOs deliberated on the Draft State Drug Policy, Manipur today in a consultative meeting at Human Rights Alert (HRA) conference hall, Kwakeithel. The meeting was attended by CADA, CONE, USER, AMSU, DESAM, AIMS, AMKIL, ADVISAV, AIMS, WASEDEV, IKAL, EEVFAM, Lousal, LEEPUN, HRA, legal experts etc. The consultation was convened by co-petitioners of the PIL no 34 of 2020 of the High Court of Manipur, namely USER-Manipur, Paojel Chaoba and HRA.
The consultation dwelled on the feasibility of the draft State Drug Policy and how far it can be
implemented successfully in practice. The points of concern raised by the stakeholders focused on the grey areas particularly on inadequate mechanisms of “supply reduction”. The inability of the present criminal justice system to convict the drug lords and to break the cartel was pointed out. The involvement of powerful and well-connected individuals who enjoy political patronage from key functionaries of the state was deliberated thread bare. The need for ensuring that the present drug policy should address this issue by ensuring that the investigation and trial of the major drug haul are carried out in a free and fair manner, without succumbing to the political pressure, was emphasised. The meeting decided to submit a representation to V. Vumlunmang (IAS) Principal Secretary Social Welfare, Government of Manipur on the need for further deliberation to ensure that the draft policy reflects these concerns after due consultation with the relevant stake holders. It was also unanimously emphasised that a collective effort of the civil society in tandem with the wishes of the masses is crucial to address and curb the menace of drugs in Manipur.