Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday urged young people to stay away from drugs and actively contribute to nation-building, saying a healthy and drug-free generation is essential to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The chief minister was addressing the state-level launch of the “Nasha Mukta Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan” at Manipur University, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched the nationwide campaign from New Delhi.
The programme was organised by the NSS Cell of Manipur University in collaboration with the State NSS Cell under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
In his virtual address, Prime Minister Modi said the goal of a developed India could only be achieved through physically and mentally healthy youth who remain free from destructive habits such as drug abuse. He urged young people across the country to join the nationwide anti-drug movement.
Addressing the gathering in Imphal, Khemchand Singh said the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 depended on a healthy, disciplined and drug-free generation. He appealed to the youth of Manipur to reject narcotics and play a constructive role in the development of both the state and the nation.
Recalling a time when drug abuse was widespread, the chief minister said he had consciously stayed away from narcotic substances, enabling him to dedicate himself to public service. He encouraged young people to make similar choices and become responsible citizens.
Expressing concern over the growing menace of substance abuse, Khemchand said interactions with various non-governmental organisations had revealed the existence of organised networks supplying drugs to young people. He assured that the state government would intensify its crackdown on drug trafficking and continue efforts to protect the youth from narcotics.
Highlighting Manipur’s strategic importance under the Act East Policy, the chief minister said the state is expected to emerge as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia. He said the government is working to complete railway connectivity to Imphal by December 2028, which would strengthen trade and connectivity towards Moreh and neighbouring countries.
He, however, stressed that these opportunities could be fully realised only if the younger generation remained free from drug addiction.
Khemchand also said lasting peace was vital for development and appealed to all communities to work together to restore harmony in the state. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring justice against those responsible for violence while continuing efforts to rebuild trust among communities and facilitate free and secure movement across Manipur.
The programme concluded with participants taking a pledge for a drug-free India, reaffirming their commitment to stay away from intoxicants and spread awareness against substance abuse. Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, faculty members, NSS volunteers, students and other dignitaries attended the event.
