IMPHAL, Sept 5: The All Manipur Anti Drug Association organised a meet on “Drug free campaign on 4th general panchayat elections 2012” at Yairipok Top Chingtha community hall, Imphal east.
Various speakers spoke on the occasion including, Ng Tejkumar, director, law and prosecution on Drug and domestic violence, Meihoubam Rakesh, director, human rights law network spoke on RTI and rural development and S Irabanta, executive member, CoNE also spoke on Impact of drug use in election.
Y Sundari Leima, vice president, AMADA, Asem (o) Ibetombi, president Apunba Lamjing lup and N Bimol, president, Top Chingtha Progressive Organisation, TYPO graced the occasion.
In his keynote address, Tony, secretary AMADA said that elections in Manipur are the platform for use of drugs and alcohol. As part of their campaign and to lure youths to garner votes, election candiates often provide and facilitate the use of drugs and alcohol, Tony charged and added, often these users continue to use drugs and alcohol even after elections are over and indulge in domestic violence in many parts of the state.
Director HRLN M Rakesh during his speech highlighted the norms of Right to Information (RTI)and stated that the elected candidate are the servants to the public and complied to work for the welfare of the public. He went on to say that the voter sell their votes for a certain amount of money and later could not raise his concerns when the elected candidate works against the welfare of the public. He further pointed out that if a certain elected candidate utilize the funds properly and implement the works, developments will be visible.