Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday announced that the state government sent an ordinance for amendment of NDPS Act in context to Manipur, as the state is witnessing an increase in cases under the NDPS Act.
Biren made the announcement during the 10th anniversary celebration of the High Court of Manipur at the High Court Complex. The three-day celebration is to continue till March 25.
The ordinance was made in respect to the prevailing situation in the state, he said while referring to cases in which the quantity of drugs seized sometimes makes it difficult to register a case against offenders under the Act.
“Manipur's future is dark, if the present situation is not brought under control,” he said. He appealed for joint and coordinated efforts among legislature, executive and judiciary to save the state from issues of drug menace, illegal immigrants, and mass deforestation, poppy cultivation.
Biren said that creating an appropriate forum consisting of representatives from the legislative, executive and the judiciary to hold discussions on important issues affecting the future of the state is the need of the hour.
He said that the state is facing an alarming situation with problems of large-scale deforestation, illegal drug trafficking and illegal immigrants coming through the porous border of 398 km which does not have proper border fencing.
He urged all competent authorities not to compromise on important issues relating to national and state security.
He mentioned that in the 1980s, consumption of Heroine No 4 was in fashion among some rich people. The trend became widespread across the state and many fell victims to HIV and AIDS. The impacts are still faced by some victims till date, he added.
The state government’s initiative, ‘War on drugs’ campaign and the protection of reserved forest is for the welfare of Manipur, he asserted. The state needs to take up stringent action to tackle such problems, he added. He further sought support and suggestions towards the government efforts for successfully overcoming the problems.
He recalled how drug factories were discovered in the state and mentioned that almost 13 drug labs were destroyed.
Regarding the development and constructions of judiciary buildings, Biren said that several works have been taken up to strengthen the judicial system of the state.
He informed that the District Court building at Tamenglong had been constructed with a total cost of Rs. 31.85 crores and would be ready for inauguration by December, 2023.
Construction of G+3 Annexe building District Court building at Thoubal had also been completed and would be inaugurated soon, he mentioned. The construction work of District Court Complex at Kakching and District Court Complex at Senapati are being taken up with an estimated cost of Rs. 10.40 crore each, he said.
He further informed that the government would construct a Single Court building at Mao with a Judicial quarter at Mao with estimated cost of Rs. 4.53 crore. The Judicial Type-VI Quarter and Compound Fencing with Gate of Quarter Complex at Ukhrul, Manipur would be constructed with a total cost of Rs. 2.57 crore, he said, adding that the government was planning to establish District and Sessions Court, Jiribam.
He added that in view of increasing numbers of cases handled by NIA and CBI and nearly 100 cases, of which trials are being handled by existing District & Sessions Judge, a special court for NIA and CBI Cases would be established soon.
Acting Chief Justice, High Court of Manipur Justice MV Muralidaran spoke on the certain development and improvement of the judicial system of the state over the years. He stressed on the need of establishing District and Session Court in the revenue districts in a planned and phased manner. He added that this would help to clear the public perception of hill and valley differences in terms of accessibility of judicial service.
Justice Kh Nobin spoke on the topic 'War on drugs' and gave suggestions for initiating local clubs and bodies in fighting drugs.
The celebration was attended by chairman, Manipur Human Rights Commission, Utpalendu Bikas Saha, Justice A Bimol and Justice A Guneshwar Sharma and advocates.
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