Manipur Social Welfare director Ngangom Uttam has emphasised the need for people to discuss the potential post-crisis impacts on drug users in the society.
“The conflict will eventually come to an end; therefore, we need to look out for any negative repercussions which may pour out when that happens,” he said.
As such, he stressed the need for experts to map out precautionary and rectifying measures to tackle any possible effects.
He was speaking at the inaugural function of the two-month long Comprehensive Free Drug Treatment programme at Twilight Drug De-Addiction cum Rehabilitation Centre at Taothong Ayungba, Imphal West.
The treatment programme was organised by Manipur Users Collective.
The director maintained that treatment of drug users should never be compromised even during the conflict.
“We should strictly abide by all the procedures and rehabilitative measures amid the ongoing unrest,” he said.
He further appealed to all concerned not to lean into stereotypes and treat all drug users by providing proper counselling.
Meanwhile, executive member of Manipur Users Collective Haobam Nanao highlighted that the majority of recovering drug users were severely impacted by the crisis.
He pointed out that several medications of drug users were unavailable due to the ongoing unrest.
As such he urged authorities not to disregard the plights of the drug users and address their issues swiftly.
