Displaying unity against drug abuse, over a thousand volunteers, including nearly 600 two-wheelers, took part in a massive awareness rally covering 139.3 km across Manipur on Saturday, sending out a strong message to safeguard the youth from the growing menace of drugs.
The rally, organised by the Manipur Students’ Federation under its anti-drug initiative “Eikhoi Mayai Kaba Drug Thadoklashi,” commenced from its headquarters at Kwakeithel Thounaojam Leikai in Imphal West. Centered on the theme “Mayai Kaba Chinjaktagi Enkhatlakliba Kayagi Punshi Kanminnasi,” the rally aimed to raise widespread awareness of the dangers of substance abuse.
The rally was flagged off in the presence of several civil society leaders, including Sorokhaibam Sanjoy of the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation, Soraisam Memcha, Yumkhaibam Kunjarani, and Hijam Roshan.
The convoy set off at around 8:50 AM, passing through key locations including Keishampat, Singjamei, Canchipur, Lilong, Thoubal, Kakching Lamkhai, Wabagai, Lamjao, Langmeidong, Kakching Khunou Umathel, and Wangoo Lamkhai, where participants halted briefly. After a midday break, the rally resumed its second leg through Sagang, Kumbi, Moirang, Phubala, Ningthoukhong, Bishnupur, and Nambol before culminating back at the MSF office.
Addressing the gathering, MSF President Hijam Roshan raised concern over the rising production and distribution of drugs in the state, terming it a serious threat to society and future generations. He called on the authorities to take stringent action against those involved in the illicit trade and appealed to the public to actively support collective efforts to eliminate drug abuse from Manipur.
The rally not only highlighted the urgency of the issue but also reflected a growing public movement determined to reclaim communities from the grip of drugs.
