Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday expressed his concern over the rising HIV/AIDS among the youths of the state and called for a collective effort in ending the menace. He also called to everyone to contribute towards combating drug menace in Tripura.

Dr Saha inaugurated a sensitizing programme on HIV/AIDS involving principal, headmaster and headmistress of schools, organized by the Tripura State AIDS Control Society here at Agartala Rabindra Bhavan.

Addressing the gathering the Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha urged the teachers of the school to sensitize their students about prevention of HIV/AIDS. He stressed for more awareness in this regard and surged for ending the menace.

Dr Saha stated that 150 to 200 persons are being infected in a month by this infectious disease. He expressed deep concern over the rising use of intravenous drug injection or “IV drug use” among the students and youths.

A large section of youths has fallen prey to addiction. The state government is also working towards the goal of creating a drug-free Tripura. The Governor of Tripura Indra Sena Reddy Nallu sought the cooperation from the people of the state in combating drug menace and its illegal trafficking and said, “Our law enforcement agencies are trying to combat the problem,” he added.

Drug abuse and its trafficking had created havoc in the society particularly damaging and destroying the young generation from whom lot of expectations of not only from the parents but also from the general masses, he added.

But for this drug abuse, the future of hundreds of young people have been dashed to ground and the Kingpins and peddlers are the instruments for bringing such destruction in the society which needs to be dealt with strong and iron hands at each level, he added.