Drug trafficking routes have shifted after the 2023 Manipur crisis, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said while urging collective action against drug abuse during Anti-Drug Day observance.
Imphal, June 26: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday said drug trafficking routes in Manipur have undergone significant changes following the ethnic violence that broke out in 2023, with a large portion of narcotics now entering through Mizoram while smaller consignments continue to move through Moreh and Churachandpur.
The Chief Minister made the remarks while attending the state-level observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, organised by the Department of Social Welfare at the City Convention Centre, Imphal. The programme was held under the theme, "World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses."
Addressing the gathering, Khemchand Singh said that before the 2023 crisis, drug trafficking followed different routes. However, he said the conflict had altered the movement of narcotics into the state.
According to the Chief Minister, most drug consignments are now diverted through Mizoram, while smaller quantities continue to be transported from Moreh to Churachandpur using roads developed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). From Churachandpur, he said, Kwakta has emerged as one of the nearest points for their distribution.
Sharing concerns raised during his recent interaction with civil society organisations in Kwakta, the Chief Minister said representatives informed him that nearly 70 per cent of youths in the area were involved in drug abuse. He further stated that drug peddlers often supply narcotics on credit, making them easily accessible to users and worsening the problem.
He also expressed concern that neighbouring areas such as Moirang, Kumbi and Thanga have become increasingly vulnerable because of their proximity to Kwakta.
Recalling the early years of drug abuse in Manipur, Khemchand Singh said heroin first began affecting youths in the late 1970s. At that time, he said, the high price of heroin limited its use largely to children from affluent families. Over the years, however, the situation has changed significantly, making drugs more accessible across society.
The Chief Minister, who described himself as an active sportsperson during the late 1970s, said he had never indulged in drug use. He stressed that sports can play a vital role in preventing substance abuse among young people by promoting discipline, healthy lifestyles and positive engagement.
He urged the youth of the state to participate actively in sporting activities, saying sports can strengthen their resolve to stay away from drugs.
Emphasising that the fight against drugs cannot be left to the government alone, Khemchand Singh said every individual has a responsibility in building a drug-free society. He called upon local clubs, Meira Paibis and civil society organisations to work together with government agencies in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister flagged off a 10-kilometre Mega Awareness Run from the Western Gate of Kangla to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Before flagging off the run, he congratulated the participants and expressed happiness at seeing a large number of healthy young people joining the awareness campaign. He also raised the slogan "No to Drugs" and led dignitaries in taking a pledge against drug abuse.
The awareness run, organised by the Manipur Police Department, attracted around 1,300 participants competing in four categories—Open Men, Open Women, Men aged 40 years and above, and Women aged 40 years and above.
According to the organisers, winners in each category will receive cash prizes of Rs 10,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 for the first three positions respectively, while selected participants will receive consolation prizes of Rs 1,000.
Director General of Police Mukesh Singh, who participated in the Men's 40 years and above category, said the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking requires the participation of the entire population and cannot be undertaken by the police alone.
The programme was attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, senior police officers and other dignitaries.
Meanwhile, the Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB) wing of Manipur Police organised a bike rally to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
The rally was flagged off from the NAB office at Old Lambulane Jail Road by Intelligence and NAB Inspector General of Police Ningshen Worngam. Addressing participants, he said the rally was organised to mark the global observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and to encourage collective efforts towards building a drug-free Manipur.
The rally travelled from the NAB office to Nambol Maibam Lotpa Ching before returning to its starting point.
The day's programmes concluded with a renewed call from the government and law enforcement agencies for greater public participation in tackling drug abuse and illicit trafficking through awareness, community involvement and sustained preventive efforts.
