Support towards ‘War on Drugs’ initiated by Chief Minister N Biren Singh has been increasing as different civil society organisations and village chiefs continue to join the movement to root out poppy plantations from far flung places of Manipur.
Village chiefs of Tengnoupal and Chandel district under the Kuki Chief Association led by Horticulture Minister Letpao Haokip declared to extend full support to CM Biren’s ‘War on Drugs’, during a meeting at darbar hall of Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Saturday evening.
In connection with the event, Chief Minister N Biren Singh told the media that increasing support from the people towards ‘War on Drugs’ including communities from the border areas is a sign of sincerity from the people to root out drugs and poppy cultivation.
He assured that the government will ensure that all the government benefits reach each doorstep in the state including the far flung places so that they can help in rooting out poppy cultivation.
He said the portfolio of Horticulture and Soil Conservation was given to Letpao Haokip with the understanding that he will bring some positive changes in the poppy cultivation affected areas of the hilly region.
Highlighting an issue raised by one of the chiefs regarding Myanmar nationals entering illegally and planting poppy, Biren praised the chief for his sincerity in raising the issue and assured to look into the matter. He said such illegal entry of Myanmar nationals is creating misunderstanding among the indigenous populace.
He further appealed to all sections of the society to stop making communal comments against one another on social media platforms.
Responding to the media on the steps taken up along the Myanmar border, he said that a series of steps have been taken up. He explained that fencing work at around 100 km distance along the vulnerable areas has already been approved. Drone surveys will be started along the border; special commandos are already stationed in the areas, he further said, adding that there is preparation to set up around 14 new police stations with outposts.
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He said concerted efforts from both government and the public is needed to eradicate the drug menace from the state.
Horticulture Minister Letpao said that 32 chiefs of villages from Tengnoupal and Chandel, mainly affected by poppy plantations, have come out today in support of the ‘War on Drugs’ campaign.
The village chief started supporting the campaign after witnessing the disadvantages and drawbacks caused by poppy plantation in the society including the imbalance it has caused in the environment.
He welcomed the village chiefs for their support, and said they are on the right path. He also assured them to look into the means for their alternative livelihood.
The village chiefs declared to put immediate hold on poppy cultivation in their areas and at the same time approached the government to arrange alternative livelihood as well as to ensure that benefits of government schemes reach the interior parts of the state.
They also highlighted the ills of poppy plantation including ecological imbalances due to mass deforestation for poppy plantation. Kuki Chief Association (KCA), Tengnoupal also gave assurance to organise seminars to spread awareness among the villagers on the ills of the poppy plantation. They also assured full cooperation and support to the war against drug campaign and to lead from the front.
