Students Protest in Imphal Demanding Drug Education in Schools

Imphal: Members of the Manipuri Students’ Federation hit the streets on Monday. They gathered outside the State Council of Educational Research and Training office in Imphal West to demand action. The group wants the government to force drug prevention lessons into the school curriculum for students in classes five through twelve.

Protesters waved placards and chanted slogans throughout the morning. They insist the state must publish specialized textbooks. They also want life skills training based on World Health Organization standards included in the daily lessons. MSF president Hijam Roshan says narcotics are poisoning the next generation.

"The rising incidence of drug abuse and trafficking has had a damaging impact on young people, affecting their sense of responsibility towards society and the nation," Roshan said. He argues the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act is not enough to stop the spread of illegal substances.

The federation expects these changes under the new National Education Policy frameworks. They pushed for a swift rollout of the new materials. If the state and central governments drag their feet, the federation says the protests will only get louder.