Manipur Social Welfare director Ngangom Uttam on Thursday stated that treating drug users harshly would not benefit in treating them for de-addiction.
“We should not force drug users into de-addiction centres. Such actions will only add to more problems instead of helping them,” he said.
He was speaking on the sidelines of the Advent Christmas celebration at Nagaram Community Hall, Imphal.
The function has been organised by Chingtam Positive Association.
Uttam further stated that treating drug users should be carried out with the utmost kindness.
“De-addiction is a journey which has various branches but ultimately the goal is harm reduction in the society,” he said.
He stated that treating drug users should be carried out according to the nature of the patient and extent of the drug use.
As such, he exhorted people to strive collectively with the state authorities in mitigating the problem of drug addiction and usage in the state.
On the other hand, he stated that people with HIV and AIDS should be treated with dignity as any other individual.
“People living with HIV/AIDS should also live as any other individual. They should not feel ashame or pity about their situation,” he said.
He extended Christmas greetings to all the people of Manipur and wished the message of love and unity would bind the communities of Manipur.
Social worker Alyson Abonmai, renowned actor RK Somendro, former Miss Manipur 2016 Phapha Gachui, Miss Asia Women Model silver medalist Solimla Jajo among others were present at the programme.
Christmas songs and other performances were also showcased during the programme.
