Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday said that the 'War on Drugs' which was initiated by the present government in response to illicit drugs has now become a mass movement with full scale support pouring in from the public.
"Let us all work together hand in hand till the ends are achieved. Let us completely eradicate the menace of drugs and bring up an altogether well-developed society," the chief minister said.
CM Biren stated this in his chief guest speech at a public meeting held on ‘Illicit drugs’ which was conducted on Thursday at Sora Karanchi, Kakching district.
During the meeting organised by Anjuman Nasrul Islam, Sora, the CM further expressed his empathy and sorrow as a parent on learning that a youth from Sora was also involved in a recent drug haul case by Imphal West district police.
“When the people of the state are dying trapped in the clutches of drugs, there will be no use for us being in politics or even building infrastructures,” he said.
CM Biren also admitted that it is embarrassing when Meitei Pangals seem to be involved in almost every drug case while mentioning the historical blood ties between Meiteis and Meitei Pangals. He further highlighted the virtues of different faiths stating that people will not bear any fruit even when they are religious but keep on indulging in drug trade and use.
“A total of 34 hill leaders have vowed that they will ban the cultivation of poppy plants in their respective village areas,” he continued while also imploring the Meitei-Pangal brethren to also make a collective vow against drugs.
“There is no use in half handed measures; instead let us all make a unified effort,” Biren implored, reminding that the 'War on Drugs' is now a people’s movement.
Biren then informed that a similar meeting will be held on March 16 at Kwakta, and also on the same day thousands of people will be staging a 'War on Drugs' rally in Churachandpur. Praising the people for their support, he also implored the people to come out in the open on this issue for effective methods to curb the menace such as admission to rehab centres.
“If anybody knows anyone who is dealing in the illicit drug business, please feel free to contact me on my personal mobile number 9402151111 and I will take up necessary actions,” the CM asserted.
CM Biren further highlighted the development works performed by his government for the Meitei-Pangal minority first at Lilong where more than 2000 homes for the shelter less were built. Claiming that some economic packages were abandoned due to political hassles, he also mentioned that this time a new committee will be formed to look after the requirements of the minority community. People who depend on selling drugs for survival will be provided alternate methods of livelihoods, while those who deal solely for profit will be handed to the police and end up in jail, he added.
The government has introduced a variety of schemes and programmes for the upliftment of the masses, the CM continued imploring the people to educate girl children. He also expressed concern on learning that there are no fully accredited government high schools in Sora while asserting that steps will be taken up to make the Sora High School governmental soon.
“The development of a society depends much on education too,” Biren continued while also adding that potable drinking water will be available at Sora under the second phase of the Jal Jeevan Mission.
