Imphal Times Exclusive
Imphal, January 13:
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has expressed grave concern over the unchecked spread of illegal drugs and liquor across Manipur, stating that the menace has reached an alarming level and poses a serious threat to society, particularly the younger generation.
In an exclusive interaction with Imphal Times, N. Biren Singh said that while people may not fear any individual or authority, they are being pushed to a point where their very future is at risk. He observed that illegal drugs and liquor are being sold openly in almost every locality, with networks operating not only along roads but also in forested areas. According to him, the deliberate circulation of narcotics and illicit liquor appears aimed at destroying society from within, a situation he described as deeply disturbing and dangerous.
Speaking candidly, the former Chief Minister also reflected on certain social practices that, over time, have contributed to the widespread acceptance of alcohol consumption. He noted that liquor has become customary during many social occasions, including community feasts, funerals, childbirth-related events, house construction ceremonies, and marriages. He cautioned that such normalisation has led to numerous deaths linked to alcohol abuse and has pushed many young boys and girls into addiction even before they reach maturity. He questioned whether there is any serious effort to track or address this growing crisis, adding that people in every locality are aware of what is happening, yet meaningful action remains absent.
N. Biren Singh further questioned how many localities in Manipur can genuinely claim to be free from drug abuse and how many local clubs or organisations are actively monitoring and countering the problem. He stressed that drug users are not only destroying their own lives but are also tearing their families apart from within. Expressing particular concern for students, he asked who is ensuring that school- and college-going youths are not falling prey to drugs.
Warning of long-term consequences, the former Chief Minister said that if the present trend continues unchecked, the community risks losing not only its future generations but also its social and cultural foundations. He maintained that the reality is well known to all, with drugs being sold and consumed openly in locality after locality, and called for collective responsibility and decisive action to confront the crisis.