Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra Singh on Saturday said that poppy plantation can be destroyed within half an hour had the government been committed to its “War on Drugs”. He stated this during the 31st death anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi 2022, which was observed as Anti-Terrorism Day on Saturday held at Congress Bhawan, BT Road, Imphal.
Meghachandra, while responding to media when asked about the flood situation in the state, said that many factors are associated with the flash flood which happened with an overnight rainfall in the state. He alleged that the state government did not take up any developmental works to prevent flood like situation in the last five years. Deforestation, mainly created by massive poppy cultivation in the state, is also a contributing factor, he said.
The MPCC president further said that the state government taking up the initiative to control drug menace in the state by launching “War on Drugs” is highly appreciable.
However, poppy plantation can be stop immediately if they are sincere enough to meet their target, the MPCC president said, adding that just taking support from local people and civil voluntary organisations wouldn’t finish drug issue in the state.
“If the government really wanted to end poppy cultivation, they can destroy it within half an hour by using helicopter. It is quite illogical and unreasonable to take so much time in destroying the poppy farm. Drug issue is a state subject. The state government can take up such effective steps,” he pointed out.
Meghachandra, stating about severity of drug issue in the state, informed that some research team had even declared that amount of money invested in drug related business is three times more than the total budget of the state.
CLP leader O Ibobi Singh said that the Congress, being a party that stands for non-violence, assassination of its leader, Rajiv Gandhi was unfortunate and condemnable. Opposing such violent activities and commemorating the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, May 21 is being observed as “Anti-Terrorism” day throughout the country.
Singh further said that contribution made by late Rajiv Gandhi is immense. With his effort, the 10th schedule was implemented with an objective to prevent political defection, women reservation for grass-root level politics, Biren said.
As a part of the observation, floral tribute was paid to Rajiv Gandhi and snacks were distributed to Samapat Yaibirel Children Home, Khundrakpam, Imphal.
