Anti-Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Day marked in Mawlamyine

June 29, 2016

On 26 June 2016, an event marking the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was held in Mawlamyine, Mon State. It took place at PaingKhit Hall, MyineTharYar, Mawlamyine, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

drunk The event was organized by several Mon youth groups from around Mon State, including: Mon Youth Progressive Organization (MYPO), Mon Youth Educator Organization (MYEO), Gita Mon, Mawlamyine University Student’s Union, Technology University Student Union (Mawlamyine), Mudon Township Mon Youth, Chaungzone Township Mon Youth, and Kyaikmayaw Township Mon Youth group.

Over 240 people attended the event including Hluttaw representative, government departments, political representatives, community-based organizations, students, media, and youths from around Mon State.

In the opening speech, Mon State Hluttaw representative, U Tun Ling Aung, stated that the drug-abuse problem is more widespread than expected. This is due to the lack of rule of law, law enforcement, and the weaknesses in controlling and regulating drugs issues. It is important to cooperate, not only with the government and security sector but also with youth groups to combat drug problems.

The New Mon State Party (NMSP) representative, Nai Kaung Htaw Jit talked about how to eradicate the drug issue and activities they are involved in to eradicate it. He said that there are difficulties when conducting activities to combat drug issues because of territorial limitations. They are restricted to certain areas and cannot take action freely. NMSP suggests that those who are in a position of authority should take action against drug abuse. For instance, they should arrest those that are taking drugs and those who are trafficking it. It is important to raise more awareness in order for youths, parents, and communities understand the issues on drug abuse. To eradicate drug abuse, NMSP needs to cooperate with the government and the police.

The event also discussed issues around the impact of drug use for youth and women. Sai Aung Khant from the Drug User Network discussed that there is a gap for young people that needs to be filled. Many young people have no activities like football or skate boarding and therefore turn to drugs to keep busy. Villagers should have the opportunity for more social activities for young adults such as having a shared football field, skate park, and activity center for young people.

The event was closed with a local Mon music band, that played music which educate listeners on how to combat the drug problem.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News