Agartala, May 03: Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday called upon the youths to launch a movement against drug dealers and anti-social elements for building a healthy society.

Addressing a seminar on ‘Nesha Mukt Tripura' and blood donation festival organized by the state NSS cell at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said the supply of drugs is an attempt from the international level to weaken our country.

It’s very sad to see that a section of youths became addicted to drugs. Because of the drug users, the numbers of HIV, AIDS and hepatitis cases are also on the rise, he said.

While urging people, particularly youths, to launch a movement against the drugs peddlers and miscreants, the Chief Minister underlined the need to identify the culprits who are creating nuisance in the society.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister already adopted a zero tolerance policy and passed an instruction to the Tripura Police for taking stringent action against the drug dealers and traffickers.

The Chief Minister said, NSS helps develop the mentality among students for involving oneself in social works. The NSS was launched during the birth centenary of Mahatma Gandhi in 1969. The Chief Minister said, NSS was formed with 600 volunteers from 6 schools in the state in 1976. Presently, there are 389 NSS units in the state with 34,300 volunteers. Apart from that, NSS unit has 6 self-funds with 600 volunteers.

He also lauded the role of NSS volunteers for their commendable efforts during natural disasters and encouraged them to spread awareness about the negative impact of drugs in the society.

Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Tinku Roy, Secretary P.K. Chakraborty and NSS officials were present in the programme. A good number of NSS volunteers donated blood.