Imphal: The drugs issue in Manipur is not at a nascent stage, and the drug menace has engulfed all sections of society. Despite the state government and its stakeholders’ attempts to eradicate the abuse of psychotropic substances and poppy cultivation, substance abuse cases in Manipur have been increasing at an alarming rate, especially among youths under the age of 30.
One of the main factors of substance abuse, which has become a chronic issue in Manipur, has been caused by its geographical proximity to the infamous ‘Golden Triangle, ’ the tri-junction of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand borders. With a 1643-km long border with Myanmar, India has been at risk for a long time, and the 2021 coup in Myanmar has made matters worse, with many illegal Myanmarese taking shelter in Manipur and its neighbouring state Mizoram.
In 2023, the Church and the Christians at large, under the aegis of All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO), took a collective declaration and joined the fight against drugs and poppy cultivation to make Manipur a drug-free state.
According to AMCO president Rev L. Simon Raomai, the Church has steadfastly advocated the fight against drugs and proactively educated church leaders, pastors, and youth throughout Manipur.
“Given the intensifying drug crisis and the recent repeal of liquor prohibition, the role of churches in Manipur is now more critical than ever in combating this menace,” said Rev Raomai, underscoring the serious threat posed by a spike in the trafficking of drugs and other contraband items from Myanmar to the region.
It may be noted that despite the Manipur government launching the ‘war on drugs’ campaign in 2018 to eradicate the drug-related issue, the about 100 drug rehabilitation centres in the state are always almost at full capacity with drug addicts, even those as young as 18-20 years of age are among the inmates.
Earlier this year, the then-chief minister and present caretaker of CM, N Biren Singh, oversaw the destruction of over 314 kgs of drugs, including 9.844 kgs of heroin powder and 244.409 kgs of brown sugar, in an incinerator at Lamdeng village in Imphal West.
According to N Biren Singh, the state government has been continuously fighting against drugs and destroying poppy cultivation. During the drive, huge quantities of drugs worth Rs 70,000 crore have been seized, and about 3,000 people involved in the case have been arrested to date.
“Our target is to defeat and destroy whoever is involved in drugs. We will continue destroying poppy plantations too and actively operating against drug smugglers on the highways, border areas, and every part of the state. This is to save our people and youths,” Singh said.
Church facilitating the drug victims and families
While supporting the government’s movement against drugs, numerous initiatives have been launched by various churches to provide spiritual guidance and counselling to individuals and families affected by drug abuse. Such an initiative could help the affected individuals/drug addicts find meaning and purpose in their lives.
The Church plays a crucial and foundational role in supporting and stabilizing a society with moral values and a sense of belonging.
“Prayer and spiritual support empower individuals, especially youth, with the strength to resist and overcome temptation against drugs and alcohol and sustaining hope in their abstinence,” Rev Raomai.
He further said that many churches in Manipur have also been actively involved in awareness programs to address drug and substance abuse issues. Some awareness programs include school outreach programs, where church members visit schools to educate students about the dangers of substance abuse. The Church also engages in community awareness programs where its members organize events, rallies, and campaigns to raise awareness about substance abuse, he added.
One of the major factors contributing to rising substance abuse in the state, as Rev Raomai said, is due to geographical proximity to the Golden Triangle, which makes Manipur a transit point for drugs entering India and other countries.
Other factors include economic desperation where the illicit drug trade offers quick financial gains, attracting those seeking economic relief, weak enforcement of laws and inadequate border control measures allowing the unchecked flow of drugs into Manipur, and the present political instability, which have created an environment where illegal activities, including drug trafficking, thrive. The presence of armed groups and the resulting lawlessness facilitate the spread of substance abuse, said the Church leader.
“Recognizing the complex nature of addiction, churches provide resources and access to qualified medical and mental health professionals to support individuals seeking recovery,” said AMCO president Rev Raomai.
He further stressed that spiritual faith-based Church support is crucial in the recovery process of drug abuse victims. The Church can provide a sense of community and belonging, helping individuals feel less isolated and more supported. Moreover, it is a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to share their struggles and receive support, while prayer and spiritual support help individuals find strength and hope in their recovery journey.
Rehab centres on a mission to rescue addicts
The growing number of rehabilitation centres and de-addiction centres to combat the drug issue indicates the seriousness of the drug menace in the state.
According to Mayoshang Kasar, a project director of Hope Ministry Rehabilitation Center based in Imphal, these days when youngsters are introduced to drugs, they go directly with hard drugs or heroin, which leads to a rise of addicts in a short period or even lose their lives when they cannot handle the dose.
Kasar, who was also a drug addict for 15 years and has now completely recovered, shared that the alarming rise in drug addicts and substance abuse in the state has been caused by several factors.
Apart from the golden triangle where a maximum number of drugs are coming from Myanmar to Manipur, Kasar said that the mushrooming of poppy plantations in the hill areas also contributes to the rise of drug issues.
“Being a Christian, Kukis and Nagas are involved in poppy cultivation, which is very unfortunate. I hope the Church can intervene with them and address the issue,” said Kasar.
Another factor is unemployment. Many people, especially youths, often feel frustrated about their lives and become hopeless. To fill the void/emptiness in their heart, which can only be filled by God, they choose the wrong path and end up using different kinds of substances, he said.
Kasar also feels that the state’s ‘war on drugs’ campaign has not done much when it comes to those mafia or druglords and alleged that this is likely due to the involvement of some politicians and top officials from the state, including police.
Since the launching of the Hope Ministry Rehabilitation Center in 2019, Kasar has treated at least 1,500 addicts of different ages, including government employees.
“Once you are into drugs, it is difficult to come out again because of peer pressure and other reasons. So, the best way to recover is going to rehab centres because home detox does not work,” said Kasar.
Solomon Shimray, the program in charge at Hope Ministry Rehabilitation Center, said the Church’s active involvement in the drug issue is needed because the Church plays a very important role, especially in a Christian-dominated society.
“Maybe three or four churches can come together and set up a rehab centre, or they can send people for training. There are different kinds of addiction, and the Church can send people for a specific type of training, be it art therapy, cognitive therapy, obsessive-compulsive therapy, etc. So, if the Church can set up a specific program, especially in this addiction and recovery field, I am sure the addiction rate or the recovery rate will either go down or up,” he said.
Shimray, who has more than 10 years of experience as a caregiver in the addiction and recovery field, also said that a caregiver and someone who understands the addicts must be present at the centre all the time. Addicts must be constantly observed and monitored so that you will know what is happening to them and the changes they undergo psychologically, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
“As a caregiver, we have to understand that people who have come here (rehab centre) are broken in many ways, physically, mentally, and spiritually. And to bring them into recovery is going to be a tough job not only for them but for us as well. So, we need to have a very high willingness to accept, and you have to know what you are dealing with. Because the chances of getting them sober are very weak, and it has to be understood by both parties, including the parents of the patients,” added Shimray.
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