Kangpokpi’s Haijang Village Declared Drug-Free as It Celebrates 200 Years of Drug-Free Legacy

At a time when drug abuse continues to erode communities across Manipur, Haijang Village has emerged as a rare moral outlier, reaffirming a drug-free legacy sustained for more than 200 years and standing as a testament to the strength of collective will, tradition, and youth leadership.

One of the oldest Kuki settlements in the state, Haijang Village formally declared itself drug-free during a New Year Talent Night held on Friday evening, marking the culmination of its New Year celebrations under the Kangpokpi Assembly Constituency.

Founded in 1823 by Helkhotong Chongloi, the village has remained untouched by drugs and drug-related activities since its inception—an achievement virtually unmatched in the region.

Located just a few metres from the Kangpokpi District Headquarters, Haijang celebrated its bicentennial in March 2023. In a state long defined by conflict and social strain, the village stands as a living symbol of continuity, order, and resilience. Its historical depth is equally notable: Haijang survived World War II airstrikes and once served as a strategic post for Japanese forces, bearing silent witness to some of the most turbulent chapters of the region’s past.

The declaration was made at a programme jointly organised by the Haijang Youth Club and the church youth body, Kuki Christian Khangthahte (KCK), under the theme “No to Drugs, Yes to Youth Development.” The event was attended by the Superintendent of Police, Kangpokpi, representatives of Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, and leaders of various civil society organisations.

Village leaders said there has never been a single recorded case of drug abuse, trafficking, or criminal activity linked to Haijang Village since its establishment. To date, no resident is known to have fallen prey to drug addiction—an extraordinary record attributed to strong customary values, vigilant community life, and sustained inter-generational guidance.

Instead, the village has consistently produced achievers who have brought distinction to both the community and the state. Haijang has produced officers in the security forces, professionals in the banking sector, and achievers across multiple disciplines at the state, regional, and national levels, with its youth continuing to distinguish themselves through education, discipline, and service.

The village has also earned national recognition for producing acclaimed personalities such as Miss Barak Boishi Chongloi, Miss Bharat Lina Chongloi, and national Taekwondo gold medallist Hathoikim Chongloi, contributing to its reputation as the “Land of Beauty,” where character, talent, and grace converge.

Underscoring its faith in the next generation, the programme also featured the felicitation of meritorious students and youth achievers who have excelled in academics and other pursuits, reinforcing the village’s belief that prevention begins with empowerment.

Formally declaring the village drug-free, Manga Chongloi, Advisor of the Haijang Youth Club, said the milestone was not a one-day proclamation but the continuation of a centuries-old social covenant. He highlighted the achievements of Haijang’s youth at state and national platforms and expressed confidence that the village’s model of discipline, vigilance, and youth-driven development could serve as a replicable template for communities across Manipur.

Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills President Thangminlen Kipgen also acknowledged the declaration, appreciating the village’s sustained community vigilance, moral education, and unwavering commitment to preserving its age-old drug-free legacy.

As the state grapples with the deepening menace of drugs, Haijang Village’s reaffirmation stands as both a rebuke to despair and a promise of possibility—demonstrating that even in the most troubled times, a united community can protect its soul and secure its future.