Like in the rest of the country, on the occasion of the “International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking”, Press Information Bureau (PIB), Regional Office, Imphal, organised a media workshop “Varta” at Manipur Press Club, Imphal, today. The event aimed to foster awareness and dialogue on the pressing issue of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Over 30 journalists from across the state actively participated, reflecting the media’s commitment to addressing this critical societal challenge.
The media workshop featured Shri Watham Basu Singh, IPS, Superintendent of Police (SP), Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB), Manipur Police, as the resource person. Other dignitaries included Dr. Engam Pame, Director, PIB, Imphal, who delivered an insightful address, and Shri Asem Bhakta, President, All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU), who shared valuable perspectives on the role of media in combating the drug menace.
During the course of the workshop, Shri Watham Basu Singh highlighted the alarming rise in drug-related issues in Manipur, driven by its proximity to the porous Indo-Myanmar border, which facilitates illicit trafficking. He noted that over the last nine years, 19 brown sugar manufacturing labs have been uncovered in the state, alongside the widespread misuse of pharmaceutical drugs and poppy cultivation in hilly districts. “The drug menace is a multi-faceted issue affecting wealth, health, character, peace, and lives. It leads to economic drain, environmental degradation, and brain drain, tarnishing the state’s image,” he stated. He mentioned that over one lakh individuals in Manipur are substance users, underscoring the urgency of collective action.
Addressing the root causes, Shri Watham Basu pointed to societal challenges such as a degraded value system, corrupt mindsets, and selfishness, which exacerbate the drug crisis. He urged for a shift in perspective, stating, “We are all police in ourselves. The inner voice must guide us to be the change first, practicing what we preach.” He advocated for a comprehensive approach focusing on supply and demand reduction, prevention, awareness, and rehabilitation. “To win the war against drugs, we need to fight battles on multiple fronts with consistency, focus, and teamwork,” he added.
The SP stressed the importance of targeting youth through social programs, education, and knowledge dissemination to build self-belief and confidence. “The universe itself is a university where we can learn by observing our surroundings. A movement involving all stakeholders is essential to translate education into action and create a drug-free Manipur,” he concluded.
Dr. Engam Pame, Director, PIB Imphal, emphasized the media’s pivotal role in shaping public discourse and spreading awareness about the devastating impacts of drug abuse. He called for responsible reporting to educate communities and support the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. He urged the media fraternity to act as a powerful tool for progress. It is essential that the press remains free from bias and upholds its duty to inform and educate the masses, he added.
Shri Asem Bhakta, President, AMWJU, reiterated the need for journalists to amplify voices advocating for prevention and rehabilitation, fostering a collective movement against substance abuse. He shared his gratitude toward Press Information Bureau, Imphal, for organising such a workshop especially for media persons.
The interactive session saw journalists engage in discussions on strategies to combat drug abuse, including addressing poppy cultivation, strengthening border security, and promoting alternative livelihoods. The workshop concluded with a call for sustained efforts and to contribute to a drug-free society through informed reporting and community engagement.
Officials from Press Information Bureau, Imphal, and Central Bureau of Communications, Regional Office—Shri M. Rustum Singh, Assistant Director; Smt. Pushpa Maibam, MCO; Smt. Dr. Waribam Urmila, FPO; and Shri Deepakkumar Sharma, FEO—also participated in the workshop.
