Northeast Desk, 27th February: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha voiced apprehension regarding the escalating use of injection drugs among school students on Tuesday, urging parents to maintain vigilant oversight over their children.
Speaking at an event in the Gomati district, he alleged that the cultivation of ganja surged during the rule of the CPI(M)-led Left Front, with public awareness emerging only after the change in regime.
“The rampant use of injection drugs has emerged as a dire concern, with approximately 1,100 school students and young individuals identified as injection drug users in the state. It is widely known that drugs are infiltrating from Myanmar via Mizoram and Assam,” he remarked.
“There is an urgent need to address this burgeoning menace. As Tripura stands as the second-highest, after Assam, in the Northeast concerning the seizure and eradication of drugs, parents must remain vigilant over their children,” emphasized Saha.
Highlighting the significant smuggling of ganja out of the state, Saha noted that this phenomenon remained largely unnoticed until 2018.
“It has now become apparent that ganja cultivation has emerged as an alternative to conventional crops. Presently, government agencies are tirelessly endeavoring to transform Tripura into a drug-free state,” he stated.
Saha further announced plans to establish de-addiction centers in all eight districts of the state, underscoring the administration’s commitment to combat substance abuse effectively.
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