Although having recently moved out of the State due to prevailing
security situation, I still have nostalgic memories of Manipur. I feel the
pulls on my heart's strings whenever I hear or read of events in
Manipur.
I firmly believe that one needs to remain in touch with his roots,
for this is your 'Earth Mother'. I am an avid reader of the various
newspapers of Manipur.
This keeps me in touch with the realities in the
State while I am physically not present there. The daily dose of
abductions, killings and other activities reported in the papers has
desensitized my brain.
I am also very sad and unhappy of the increasing drug and
alcohol abuse that has crept into our proud society. This malaise, more
than anything else will be the undoing and destruction of our society.
A large number of the youth today take drugs which have become
increasingly available in Manipur. The easiest and most available is Ganja
which grows abundantly in the State.
I am therefore a bit confused on the
repeated allegations and counter between Assam Rifles and the Police
regarding the seizure and burning of 8 tons of ganja by the Assam Rifles
in August 2005.
What is the big deal? If the Assam Rifles have burnt the
consignment as they have stated in their reply, I would say- well done
and keep at it.
A job well done, as any sane man would say. They have
done a wonderful service to the youth of Manipur and also prevented it
falling into the wrong hands.
Then why are the police alleging malafide
intentions? Ganja or any drug substances is a social evil and requires
rooting out.
If I recollect correctly, it is the Assam Rifles only
which regularly seize ganja, illicit liquor and smuggled timber. Where are
the other state and central agencies whose job this is?
The police and
the narcotic control bureau are conspicuous by their absence and rarely
catch any contraband. The reasons are obvious. They are scared.
Therefore when someone else is doing the dirty work, rather than being
thankful, why try to do them down by allegations and talk rules and
procedures.
One suspects that this diatribe spewing venom against a particular
agency is a reaction by the police and the narcotic bureau to cover up
their own inefficiency and frustration. One also suspects that vested
interests and hidden agendas are behind this tirade.
Of course, it does
not take a genius to figure out that ganja revenue is used by various UG
groups to fill up their coffers. So the Rs. 2 crores worth ganja going
up in flames has deeply hurt these groups and also those who are in
cahoots with them.
It would certainly be illuminating if the common man could know for
instance, how much Ganja, illicit liquor and timber has the state police
or the NCB caught this year.
Everyone knows how this contraband travels
to Dimapur and beyond by the NH 39 or the subsidiary roads from Ukhrul.
Why then may I ask, does the police not stop this illegal trade?
Why does the narcotics control bureau not come to the hills and destroy the
cultivations? The Assam Rifles seized a huge consignment and burnt it
publicly.
That's what is required. The Mafia needs a body blow and we
must applaud those who have taken it upon themselves to deliver that
punch.
While on the same news I would also give a word of advice to the
Assam Rifles- please keep your dealing in the straight and honest.
Despite
my reservations on the ways and the methods adopted by you to curb
insurgency in the State.
I still have more faith in you than the Police or
any other government agency.
Samuel Maram, writes for the first time to e-pao.net .
He can be reached at [email protected]
This article was webcasted on September 14th, 2005
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