81 fatalities due to drug overdose in Manipur: SASO report
Imphal: A total of 81 people, including 21 women, have lost their lives to drug overdose in Manipur over the past two decades, according to a report by the Social Awareness Service Organisation (SASO).
The non-profit organisation, actively working to combat drug abuse in the state, revealed the grim statistic during an event commemorating International Overdose Awareness Day.
Sashikumar, the General Secretary of SASO, stated that between 2004 and March 2024, there were a total of 1737 overdose cases reported in Manipur.
While 1656 lives were saved, the remaining 81 individuals tragically succumbed to the effects of substance abuse. The victims ranged in age from 17 to 65.
The report highlighted a concerning trend of increasing overdose cases over the years. In 2005, SASO recorded only five such instances, but the numbers have steadily risen since then.
The use of intoxicating substances in Manipur, especially along the sensitive border, is a major cause of concern for the state government.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh has previously estimated that over 1.5 lakh people in Manipur are struggling with drug addiction.
Manipur has a long-standing history of substance abuse, with the problem becoming more complex since the 1980s.
The report indicated that 4% of the population aged 10-75 years in Manipur is affected by opioid use, making it the fifth-highest prevalence rate in India.
The data underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the drug crisis in Manipur, including prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies.
