Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha Sunday said foreign nations and international smugglers were behind the sharp rise in illegal drug trade and network in the state and the government will spare no efforts to nab drug traffickers and bring them to book. .

Addressing the 17th Merit Award and Fresher’s Meet of the indigenous Mog community under the banner of ‘Society for welfare of Mog society students’ at Agartala town hall on Sunday, Chief Minister Dr Saha said a large section of youths has fallen prey to addiction, and gambling.

During his speech, the Chief Minister highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Tripura, where various communities with distinct languages and traditions coexist while maintaining a strong sense of unity. He emphasized that humanity is the common thread that binds people together, transcending any differences in language or culture. The Chief Minister commended the state government for its initiatives aimed at the welfare and development of indigenous communities. He mentioned the construction of a statue of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya in Kaman Chowmuhani, symbolizing the rich history and culture of the region.

Dr Saha stressed the government's commitment to preserving and promoting all languages, giving equal importance to their development. He also mentioned that efforts are being made to provide better connectivity and economic development opportunities for indigenous communities, such as the Tripura Rural Economic Growth and Sustainable Service Delivery Project, which recently received approval of 1400 crore rupees from the World Bank.

 “Why have the youths taken to such addictions? Who is trying to destroy our future generations? Our law enforcement agencies are trying to combat the problem, but youths and guardians have to combat it as well. If anyone is seen engaging in these addictions in schools, others should stay away from them, teachers should be informed and guardians should be contacted along with information to police,” said Dr Saha.

Recalling his brief stint in the Rajya Sabha and said he considers himself fortunate to have spoken in favour of providing Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Darlong community.

“Many people have tried to keep us divided in the past through the ‘Divide and Rule’ policy but PM Modi put forth the concept of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’. Our religions, cultures, and traditions are different but we are one for the sake of the country, nation and society. All of us have to stay united,” Dr Saha said.

Highlighting the steps taken by his government for tribal welfare, Dr Saha said the incumbent BJP-led state government resettled 37,000 displaced Bru migrants from Mizoram in Tripura permanently.

The state government set up the Tribal Research and Cultural Institute and Museum at Lembucherra, launching of Chief Minister Rubber Mission, construction of 17 Eklavya model residential schools is going on and other measures, to benefit the tribal population.

The government has made provision in budget allocation to give more benefits to the tribal population and for overall development in tribal dominated areas, the World Bank has sanctioned Rs. 1400 crore for ‘Tripura Rural Economic Growth of Sustainable Service Delivery project’.

During the programme, AMC Mayor Dipak Majumder, MLA Mailafru Mog and other authorities of Mog society were also present and at the end of the programme, Chief also felicitated 10 meritorious students from Mog community.