A massive Drug Use Prevention Programme was launched with a bike rally organised by various student bodies in Manipur that came together on Wednesday under a new banner called “Students’ Anti-Drug Task Force” in an effort to curb drug menace in the state.
Launching the programme, a bike rally was flagged off from the western gate of the Kangla Fort, Imphal to MMRC Unity Park in Thoubal district. It aims to reach out to the public, particularly the students settling in every nook and corner of the state.
As many as 300 bikers participated in the bike rally which was encouraged by students of various schools along the route by giving the participants grand receptions.
The task force was formed considering that the campaign against drugs in the state would not be complete without the involvement of the student community with inclusive of drug use prevention programmes with local specific concern and design.
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Seeking the state government’s acknowledgement, support and coordination in the programme, the task force had also submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister N Biren on Tuesday afternoon.
For instance, the task force had apprised the teachers of the educational institutes across the state to take the role of councillor in enabling the students to avoid “first dose” and provide them “social resistance skills” to control the students from peer pressure.
Speaking to the media, MSF president M Julesh pointed out that the issue of drug menace and massive poppy plantation has put the life of the youths in the state at a critical juncture.
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He said, considering the situation, the task force was established with a sole purpose of saving the youths from drowning into the pool of drugs and creating a drug free environment.
Pointing out that the war on drugs campaign of the state government under the initiative of CM Biren has gained momentum unlike in the past, he lauded the efforts of the state government and gave the commitment of the task force to support the mission at its best.
Announcing that the task force will be taking up various awareness campaigns with different approaches by collaborating with the different sections of the society, he called on all the youths to stand against drugs.
After completing the rally, a public convention on “Drug Use Prevention Programme” was held at the MMRC Unity Park.
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