Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh launched the state's anti-drug pledge campaign, linking a drug-free youth to Viksit Bharat 2047 while reiterating the government's commitment to restoring peace.
Imphal, August 3: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday said the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 can only be achieved if the country's youth remain free from drug addiction, while reaffirming that restoring lasting peace in the state remains the government's highest priority.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 10 Crores Addiction-Free Pledge Mega Campaign under the Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyaan and Mission SPANDAN (Spiritual Partnership Against Narcotic Drug Abuse), organised by the Brahma Kumaris, Manipur, in collaboration with its Medical Wing, the Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation, at Pheidinga in Imphal.
Addressing the gathering, Khemchand Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned Viksit Bharat 2047, with the objective of transforming India into one of the world's most developed nations. He stressed that the country's development depends on its young population remaining free from the menace of drugs.
Attended the inauguration of the 10 Crore Addiction-Free Pledge Mega Campaign under #NashaMuktaBharatAbhiyan and #MissionSPANDAN at Brahma Kumaris, Pheidinga, Imphal.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) August 3, 2026
A #ViksitBharat2047 begins with empowered youth who are drug-free, physically fit, mentally resilient, and full… pic.twitter.com/PEKPupbXnU
He noted that the nationwide anti-drug campaign was launched across the country on Sunday and said Manipur was proud to participate in the national movement against substance abuse.
Peace remains government's top priority
Speaking on the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur, the Chief Minister acknowledged that the state continues to face multiple challenges but said both the government and the people are making sincere efforts to restore normalcy.
He stated that encouraging signs of improvement are becoming visible and maintained that ordinary citizens, irrespective of community, aspire only for peace and stability.
Drawing from his visits to various districts, including Litan, the Chief Minister said he had interacted with internally displaced persons belonging to different communities, including Kuki, Meitei, Hmar and Paite, who all expressed a common desire to return to their homes and live together peacefully.
Recalling one such visit to Jiribam, he said people from different communities had shared a meal together, demonstrating that coexistence and reconciliation remain possible despite the prolonged conflict.
Violence benefits only vested interests, says CM
The Chief Minister, however, expressed concern that repeated incidents of violence have disrupted efforts to restore peace in the state.
He said such acts only serve the interests of individuals who seek to benefit from continued conflict and asserted that these elements do not represent any particular community but are motivated by vested interests opposed to peace.
Reiterating the government's stand, Khemchand Singh said there would be no compromise in ensuring justice and taking action against those responsible for crimes. He appealed to the people of Manipur to cooperate in rebuilding trust, restoring communal harmony and creating an environment conducive to long-term peace and development.
Universal Peace Ambassador Award presented
During the programme, the Chief Minister presented the Universal Peace Ambassador Award to Rajyogini BK Nilima, In-charge of Brahma Kumaris, Manipur, in recognition of her contributions to spiritual service and social welfare.
He also launched the campaign voucher marking the beginning of the anti-drug initiative in the state.
Participants at the event took a pledge for a drug-free India, reaffirming their commitment to stay away from intoxicants and spread awareness against substance abuse.
Among those present were Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Dr. Jugindro Sorokhaibam, Director of Medical Services at Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, Dr. R.K. Lenin Singh, Professor of Psychiatry at RIMS Imphal, social activist Ima Puinabati Konsam, Dr. N. Irabanta Singh, Vice President of the Association of Indian Private Universities, along with members of the Brahma Kumaris and other dignitaries.
