Govt takes steps to tackle infiltration, deforestation, encroachment
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 24 2023: Chief minister N Biren along with ministers and top officials discussed infiltration of illegal immigrants, mass deforestation for poppy plantation and encroachment at protected forest areas and decided to fight all these illegal acts effectively.

The meeting chaired by CM Biren at his secretariat office late Friday evening was attended by water resources minister Awangbow Newmai, tribal affairs minister Letpao Haokip, education minister Th Basanta Kumar, chief secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar, DGP P Doungel and other top civil and police officials.

After in-depth discussion about continuous infiltration of illegal immigrants and steps being taken up by the government to identify foreigners, the meeting observed that government's efforts to safeguard indigenes, save forest and uproot drugs would be successful if people of the state extend support.

Before holding the meet with ministers and officials, the chief minister discussed issues relating to forest, revenue and hill villages with top officials of relevant departments.

Apart from making preparedness for smooth conduct of illegal immigrant identification drive, the meeting also discussed on mechanisms to be adopted in government's efforts to save reserved and protected forests.

Mention may be made that chief minister N Biren had recently disclosed about involvement of Myanmarese immigrants in large scale poppy plantation in Manipur after 20kg of poppy seeds and Myanmar-origin Kenbo bikes were seized in Saikul area.

In the further drive, Kenbo bikes used in transportation of drugs were also seized in Churachandpur district.

The chief minister had on Thursday also discussed security situation of the state with GOC 3 Corps Lt Gen HS Sahi and IGAR(S) Maj Gen Rajan Sharawat at CM secretariat and apprised the top Army and AR officers about steps taken up by the state government under 'War on Drugs' mission.

He further apprised the duo about involvement of Myanmarese immigrants in large scale poppy plantation in the state after mass deforestation.

The CM also informed top security officials about use of foreign made motorcycles brought from Myanmar in drug transportation in the state and the then sought help from Assam Rifles deployed in the state in anti drug activities being taken up by the state forces like police, IRB and MR.He then informed top security officials to strengthen vigil along the international border to prevent anti-national activities.

Meanwhile, a reliable source informed that security vigil along international border has been intensified in view of the emerging situation.

Police and IRB personnel deployed at Behiang police station close to Myanmar have begun foot patrolling along MK road and L Canaan village near Border Pillar No 43 and checked presence of illegal immigrants in the area.

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