Addressing a press conference at the Manipur Press Club on Tuesday, convenor of U-TRUST, Soraisam Gobby alleged that in a case of organized crime targeted towards drug users, the Mohallah Wise Committee Anti-Drug Association, Lilong abducted two drug users (names withheld) from Samurou Oinam turning on November 26, 2022 at around 10:30 am and confined them to a rehabilitation centre, Nasa Mukti Kendra (SEERIO) operating in Yairipok Tulihal, Thoubal.

The two drug users were later rescued by representatives of U-TRUST from the clutches of the abductors on November 28.

According to the victims, the two were waylaid at Samurou-Oinam turning by some identified persons coming in three four-wheelers on November 26, 2022 at around 10:30 AM and were later taken to Lilong area where they were subjected to physical and psychological harassment, he said.

He further said that the abductors reportedly took video footage of the victims and threatened to expose them on social media. After detaining them till evening around 6:30 pm, they were reportedly taken to the above-mentioned rehabilitation centre.

He narrated that two victims also revealed that they were locked inside a small room in a very unhygienic condition where they were made to eat, sleep and use the toilet in the same room.

According to the two victims, they were also given a peculiar type of medicine (unlike those medicines provided in every treatment centre) without the prescription of any medical practitioner or doctor. During their stay, it is reported that they never came across any medical staff.

In light of the above, the U-TRUST takes strong exception against illegal activities perpetrated by the organization in collusion with the mentioned rehabilitation centre thereby violating all the norms and guidelines laid down by the Department of Social Welfare, Soraisam Gobby said and urged the concerned authorities to take up initiatives to prevent such human right violation against drug users.