Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday, 26 June led a 10-km Mega Awareness Run from the Western Gate of the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal, marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The event, organised under the theme 'World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses', drew around 1,300 participants — including a large number of women — and saw the Chief Minister personally lead a public pledge against narcotics.

What Happened at the Event

Addressing the gathering, Singh appreciated the enthusiastic turnout, particularly from the youth, and raised the slogan 'No to Drugs'. He led senior dignitaries and participants in signing an anti-drug pledge. The run was conducted in four categories, with cash prizes of ₹10,000 for first place, ₹5,000 for second, and ₹3,000 for third in each category. Selected participants will also receive consolation prizes of ₹1,000 each.

The programme was attended by Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Chief Secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, and senior civil and police officials. Director General of Police (DGP) Mukesh Singh himself participated in the men's 40-plus category of the run.

What the Government Said

In a post on his X account following the event, Chief Minister Singh reiterated the state's resolve: 'The message is clear: Yes to Life, No to Drugs. The Manipur government remains firmly committed to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking through prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation and public participation.'

DGP Mukesh Singh underscored that tackling drug abuse demands a whole-of-society response. 'The fight against drugs is not solely the responsibility of the Manipur Police. We expect the entire population of the state to actively participate in this mission to make Manipur drug-free,' he said.

The Border Challenge Driving the Crisis

Manipur's drug problem is inseparable from its geography. The state, along with neighbouring Mizoram, has emerged as one of the primary drug trafficking corridors in Northeast India, owing to a 398-km-long largely unfenced international border with Myanmar. Five districts — Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kamjong, and Ukhrul — share this frontier, making surveillance and enforcement particularly difficult for security agencies.

Transnational drug syndicates have repeatedly exploited these porous borders to smuggle narcotics into India. This comes amid ongoing conflict in Myanmar, which has further strained border management and created additional security vulnerabilities.

Centre's Border Fencing Progress

At the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in New Delhi earlier this month, Chief Minister Singh highlighted the security and law-and-order fallout from the Myanmar conflict. He called for stronger border management, enhanced surveillance, and better coordination between central and state agencies to curb drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and human trafficking.

Singh informed the meeting that the Ministry of Home Affairs has completed fencing of 50 km of the India-Myanmar border, with construction of an additional 80-km stretch already underway. The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the state administration will continue working closely with central agencies and security forces to keep Manipur at the forefront of anti-narcotics operations in the region.