Deputy Director of the Social Welfare Department, Govt. of Manipur, L. Dhaneshwor has expressed serious concern to the growing drug menace among the youth of Manipur.
Delivering speech as the chief guest of a Drug Awareness Programme organised by The Nationalists Collective Manipur (NCM) at Catholic School, Canchipur under the theme “Mayai Kaba Chinjak Ki Mayokta Changsanba Khongjang-Ehou” which literary means “ Campaign against intoxicants and drug abuse”, L. Dhaneshwor said that the growing drug menace in the State is a serious matter to all of us. Citing a 2019 survey which indicated that nearly two lakh youths in Manipur were dependent on drugs, the deputy director said that the findings were deeply alarming and underscored the need for sustained awareness and de-addiction initiatives.
He noted that the Government of India has been implementing the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to curb substance abuse among young people. He further observed that Manipur’s 398-kilometre porous international border with Myanmar has made the State a major transit corridor for heroin and methamphetamine (Yaba) trafficked from the Golden Triangle.
L. Dhaneshwor expressed the Social Welfare Department has been focusing on demand reduction through awareness, counselling, rehabilitation and preventive measures, while supply reduction is being addressed by law enforcement agencies. He added that the next national survey on substance abuse is expected in 2026, which will provide an updated assessment of the situation in Manipur.
Appealing to educational institutions, he stressed the need for every government and private school to appoint trained counsellors to support students facing emotional or psychological distress. He also urged students to confide in parents, teachers or trusted friends whenever they encounter personal or mental health challenges.
Referring to a recent study conducted by a State Level Coordinating Agency on inmates undergoing treatment at rehabilitation centres, he said a significant number of drug users had initiated substance abuse between the ages of 14 and 18, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
Delivering the keynote address, Ninthoujam Kilosker said the campaign seeks to rebuild a drug-free society by educating young people about the devastating effects of narcotic substances on individuals, families and society.
Drawing on British historian Arnold J. Toynbee’s Challenge and Response Theory, Kilosker said the survival and progress of any civilisation depend on its ability to respond effectively to major challenges. He warned that failure to address pressing issues could lead to the decline of society.
Describing drug addiction as one of the most serious threats confronting Manipur today, he said the increasing abuse of narcotic substances among the youth has become a critical challenge that requires collective action from society.
Explaining the scientific basis of addiction, he said psychoactive drugs interfere with the brain’s reward system by triggering excessive dopamine release, gradually altering normal brain function and leading to dependency. He stressed that addiction should be understood as a brain and behavioural disorder rather than merely a moral failing.
Kilosker further warned that widespread drug addiction has already destroyed countless lives and families and could pose a serious threat to the future of Kanglei society if left unchecked. He called upon all sections of society to unite in preventing drug abuse, protecting the younger generation and building a healthier and drug-free Manipur.
The programme was attended by Deputy Director of Social Welfare L. Dhaneshwor , Principal of Catholic School Fr. Immanuel Kholi, All Manipur Recognised Private School Welfare Association president Laishram Joy Khuman, USER Manipur president Maibam Jogesh, All Manipur Students’ Guardians Organisation general secretary Sougrakpam Sumati, and Nationalists Collective Manipur president Thongam Thoithoiba attended as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.