Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday has warned the drug mafia gangs based in the valley to surrender before the state government voluntarily or face consequences of the crackdown on drugs.
The chief minister was speaking to the media in an event at the CM secretariat wherein the Maram Union Assembly submitted a resolution to support the War on Drugs campaign.
Areas like Lilong, Kshetrigao, Kairang, Keirao, his home constituency Heingang and some parts of Imphal East and West have become hubs of the drug menace in the valley, he said.
The chief minister urged those who are running business on drugs to come out voluntarily and surrender for the safety of families and precious lives, for which no action will be taken against them. He further appealed to the people, especially people in and around Imphal valley areas to abandon drug business for the safety of precious lives and future generations.
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The chief minister stated that the present BJP government will not tolerate and compromise with those who are involved in illegal drugs business, plantation of poppy, practiced corruption and destroyers of forests. He also appealed to the government officials to think and work for the land, people, environment and future generation rather than personnel and friend circle profit.
He also stressed the need for local participation by means of taking up an anti-drug movement in each and every locality to successfully root out the problem of drug menace from the whole of Manipur.
The Maram tribe also submitted three separate memorandums to the chief minister. The Maram delegates comprise village heads, headmen, GoanBuras, chairmen, secretaries, public leaders, students and youths and women groups.
The community leaders expressed their gratitude to the chief minister for giving an opportunity for the interaction programme and for his leadership on war against drugs for the safety of lives of the people. They highlighted their requirements like healthcare, drinking water facility, SDO office, police station and handloom and handicraft training centre in their areas.
At the press briefing, Biren Singh appreciated the Maram Community for the decision they have taken against any illegal plantation of poppy, drug smuggling and ban of any form of drug in their areas in support of War on Drug Campaign initiated by the BJP government. He expressed his happiness to the leaders and representatives of Maram Community who came from remote villages to announce the resolution made by the community assembly in support of the campaign.
The chief minister also thanked the Maram people for their constant support during the “Go to Village Mission” programmes. Stating that several tribal communities started supporting the War on Drug campaign, CM Biren appreciated the people for their unanimous support to the campaign against poppy plantation and other drug related matters. The CM further emphasised on the need of setting up of Anti-Drug Women Cell at every locality to eradicate drugs problems.
Replying to the concern raised by the representatives of the community during the interaction, the chief minister assured the representatives that a handloom and handicraft centre based on modern technology will be set up at Senapati district headquarters. With regard to drinking water, he said that he will instruct the concerned minister for the settlement of water problems.
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Regarding SDO and police station he informed that steps will be taken up for the construction of the same at the earliest. Further, the Chief Minister informed them that the PHC of Maram khullen village will be upgraded to CHC after the recruitment process of doctors is completed.
Regarding the alleged involvement of officials and an ex-official in issuing forged land documents to encroachers in Waithou area, Thoubal district, Biren said two of the three culprits have been arrested. The remaining persons will also be arrested soon, he added.
As the arrested individuals had admitted to having committed the crime, the forged documents will be cancelled and the encroached forest area will be restored to its former status, he added.
The chief minister also strongly condemned the IED blast at Khongjom in Thoubal district killing one non-local and four others.
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He said, “Targeting innocent laborers who were working for their family’s livelihood in a developmental project of the state is an act of cowardice.”
The delegates of the Maram Union were led by its president K Raisong and former MLA M Francis Ngajokpa. Keirao MLA L Rameshwor was also present during the function.
