Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi/Imphal, Aug 2: Emphasising that the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 can be achieved only through a healthy, disciplined and drug-free youth, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday called for collective efforts to protect young people from substance abuse and build a stronger nation.
The Chief Minister virtually participated in the nationwide launch of the "Nasha Mukta Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan", inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a virtual interaction with youth across the country from New Delhi.
Addressing a function held at the auditorium of Manipur University, Khemchand Singh urged the youth of the state to actively contribute to nation-building by staying away from drugs and playing a constructive role in the development of Manipur and the country.
The programme was organised by the NSS Cell of Manipur University in collaboration with the State NSS Cell under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
During the nationwide interaction, Prime Minister Modi said that as India strives towards becoming a developed nation, it is essential for the country's youth to remain physically and mentally fit, self-confident and free from destructive habits such as drug abuse. He appealed to citizens, especially young people, to actively support the anti-drug movement.
Recalling the period when drug abuse was widespread, Khemchand Singh said he had consciously stayed away from narcotic substances, enabling him to devote himself to public service. He encouraged young people to make similar choices and become responsible citizens capable of leading Manipur towards a brighter future.
Expressing concern over the rising incidence of substance abuse, the Chief Minister said interactions with various NGOs had revealed organised networks supplying drugs to the youth through different channels. He assured that the state government would intensify its crackdown on drug trafficking and continue efforts to safeguard young people from narcotics.
Highlighting Manipur's strategic importance under the Act East Policy, he said the state is poised to become India's gateway to Southeast Asia. He added that the government is working towards completing and operationalising the railway connectivity to Imphal by December 2028, which would strengthen trade, connectivity and economic opportunities extending to Moreh and neighbouring countries.
He stressed that such opportunities could be fully realised only if the younger generation remained free from drugs, adding that peace remains the foundation of development.
Referring to the ethnic unrest that has affected the state over the past three years, the Chief Minister appealed to all communities to work together with mutual understanding to restore lasting peace. He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring justice against those responsible for violence while bridging the trust deficit among communities and facilitating free and secure movement across the state.
Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University Prof R.K. Hemakumar Singh also addressed the gathering and urged students to honour the anti-drug pledge by becoming ambassadors of awareness in their schools, colleges and localities.
A pledge for a drug-free India was administered during the programme, reaffirming participants' commitment to stay away from intoxicants and spread awareness against substance abuse.