War on Drugs mission far from being over
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: January 11, 2023 -
WHILE it's obvious that not every community would be supportive of the government's concerted efforts to discourage or destroy poppy plantations, there is no doubt that the 'war on drugs' campaign is bearing fruit in prodding the conscience of both individuals and organisations.
Apart from some village chiefs prohibiting poppy cultivations in areas under their respective jurisdiction, villagers and members of community-based organisations joining hands with law enforcement agencies in scything poppy plants indicate that there is gradual realisation about long-term consequences of drugs to the society.
After villages in Senapati and Ukhrul districts affirmed to eradicate the poppy menace, villagers in Chandel and Kangpokpi districts too came out in support of the government's efforts by destroying poppy plantations and cautioned of stringent punitive action in case anybody is found straying away from socially-acceptable practice.
Though in limited numbers compared to the vast tract of poppy cultivated areas, the decision of these villagers ring out the message that every village in the hills relish worldly comfort derived from drug money.
That large section of the hill dwellers are ready to join the battle against drug peddling and poppy cultivation has also been demonstrated when volunteers of the influential Rongmei Naga Students' Organisation Manipur (RNSOM) took part in destroying 4 hectares of poppy plantations at T Khongmol Kuki village under Nungba sub-division in Noney district on Monday.
It was probably for the first time since the launch of war on drugs campaign that poppy plantations were detected in a village under Noney district.
As had been reported, the joint team led by top officials of Noney district police, Nungba police station, Nungba Forest division, Assam Rifles and RNSOM volunteers carried out the poppy destruction drive.
Having officially confirmed that the poppy planters were from T Khongmol village itself legal action against the chairman or chief of the village is imminent for any sort of leniency would definitely evoke sharp reactions from different quarters.
Interesting part of the Noney drive is that village chairman and the cultivators were both found to be out of station at the time of the operation, thereby implying their involvement in poppy plantation.
Moreover, detection of poppy plantations in such a large tract of land is outright defiance against the government's repeated reminders to give up the practice or face the music.
Thus, severest form of punishment should be given to whoever is involved in poppy cultivation failing which it is quite possible that the lure of easy money will lead to migration of villagers to remotest corners of the state to continue poppy plantation.
As Manipur has been protractedly synonymous with peddling and abusing of narcotic drugs it would be wishing thinking for the establishment that the campaign would reap instant success overnight.
Nevertheless, considering the fact that some village chiefs, under whose area of jurisdiction poppies used to be cultivated widely, have pledged to give up the practice and find legitimate sources of livelihood, the government could hope that the battle against poppy planters would be won if more village chiefs and concerned stakeholders join the campaign.
* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.