Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh urged Manipur's youth to stay away from drugs and help realise the Viksit Bharat vision while attending the launch of the Nasha Mukta Yuva campaign at Manipur University.
Imphal, August 2: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday called upon the youth of Manipur to reject drug abuse and become active partners in building a developed India, asserting that the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 can only be achieved through a healthy, disciplined and drug-free younger generation.
The Chief Minister was addressing the nationwide launch of the "Nasha Mukta Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan" at the Auditorium of Manipur University. The programme was organised by the NSS Cell, Manipur University, in collaboration with the State NSS Cell, under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
The event coincided with the nationwide launch of the campaign by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who virtually interacted with young people across the country from New Delhi.
Speaking at the launch of 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan', a 100-week campaign against substance abuse. I urge every citizen, especially our youth, to join this movement. https://t.co/ucvrcAyK4C
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 2, 2026
PM urges youth to stay away from drugs
During the nationwide virtual interaction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India's aspiration of becoming a developed nation requires a physically and mentally strong generation that remains free from substance abuse.
He stressed that the country's youth must be filled with confidence and permanently distance themselves from destructive habits such as drug addiction. The Prime Minister appealed to every citizen, particularly young people, to actively participate in the nationwide movement against narcotics.
Honoured to participate in the virtual interaction with Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji on GenZ Against Drug Addiction – Nasha Mukt Yuva For Viksit Bharat.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) August 2, 2026
Let us empower our youth to reject drugs, embrace healthy lifestyles, and build a stronger, drug-free India. ????… pic.twitter.com/AEgKkcCEdZ
'A healthy youth is the foundation of Viksit Bharat'
Addressing students, NSS volunteers and faculty members, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said the future of both Manipur and the nation depends on the choices made by today's youth.
He urged young people to actively participate in nation-building by staying away from drugs and contributing positively to the development of society.
Recalling the period when drug abuse had become widespread in the state, the Chief Minister shared a personal reflection, saying he had consciously chosen to remain away from narcotic substances. That decision, he said, enabled him to dedicate his life to public service.
He encouraged young people to make similar choices and become responsible citizens capable of leading Manipur towards a brighter future.
Government intensifying crackdown on drug networks
Expressing concern over the growing menace of substance abuse, the Chief Minister said interactions with various non-governmental organisations had revealed disturbing instances of organised networks supplying narcotic substances to young people through different means.
He assured that the State Government would continue intensifying its campaign against drug trafficking and would take all necessary measures to protect the youth from falling victim to addiction.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the fight against drugs remains one of the government's priorities as it seeks to safeguard the future of the younger generation.
Railway connectivity to boost Act East opportunities
Highlighting Manipur's strategic location under India's Act East Policy, Khemchand Singh said the state is poised to emerge as the country's gateway to Southeast Asia.
He informed the gathering that the government is working towards completing and operationalising the railway network connecting Imphal by December 2028, a project expected to significantly improve connectivity, trade and economic opportunities extending to Moreh and neighbouring countries.
However, he emphasised that the benefits of such development can only be fully realised if the state's youth remain free from the menace of drugs and are equipped to seize emerging opportunities.
Peace essential for development
The Chief Minister also underlined that lasting peace remains the foundation for sustainable development.
Referring to the unprecedented crisis that has affected Manipur over the past three years, he appealed to all communities to move forward with mutual understanding and collective responsibility.
He said the government remains committed to ensuring justice against those responsible for acts of violence while continuing efforts to bridge trust deficits among communities and facilitate free and secure movement throughout the state.
According to the Chief Minister, peace, social harmony and youth empowerment are essential for unlocking Manipur's development potential.
Vice-Chancellor calls on students to become anti-drug ambassadors
Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh also addressed the gathering, urging students to uphold the anti-drug pledge taken during the programme.
He encouraged participants to become ambassadors of awareness in their respective localities, schools and colleges by educating others about the dangers of substance abuse and promoting a drug-free lifestyle.
The programme concluded with the administration of the pledge for a Drug-Free India, reaffirming the commitment of participants to stay away from intoxicants and spread awareness against drug abuse.
Among those present were Prof. M. Premjit Singh, Registrar of Manipur University, officials of the NSS Cell, faculty members, NSS volunteers, students and other dignitaries.
