CM dedicates ND and PS FTC to public
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, April 09 2018: Chief Minister N Biren Singh today inaugurated the Special Court ND & PS (Fast Track Court), Manipur at Cheirap Court complex in Imphal West District.

The Court has been especially established to deal with drug menace and facilitate speedy trial of offences relating to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, N Biren Singh said that people have been demanding the Government to establish separate Fast Track Courts for crime against women and narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (ND & PS) related cases to ensure speedy justice.

The Chief Minister said that it gave him immense pleasure to fulfill the second wish of the people by dedicating the Special Court for ND & PS to the public today after the Fast Track Court for Crime Against Women was inaugurated on June 27 last year.

The Court has been possible due to the dedicated cooperation from the Judiciary and legal fraternity of the State, he added.

Large areas of poppy plantation had been destroyed under State Government's 'War Against Drugs' campaign in the past few months, he said while adding that Agar plantation would be introduced as an alternative livelihood to the villagers who used to grow poppy plants earlier.

An MoU regarding setting up of an Agar factory in the State has already been signed with a foreign firm during North East Development Summit {NEDS) held last year, he said.

Stating that Assam is said to have already started Agar plantation extensively, the Chief Minister said that he has been told that in Manipur as well, around 3 lakh Agar saplings are being prepared at Jiribam.

Observing that school drop-out is one of the major reasons for high prevalence of drug/substance abuse and indulgence in different crimes by teenagers and young adults, the Chief Minister informed the gathering that the State Government is planning to help re-admit around 40,000 school drop-outs under a special scheme at the earliest.

Mentioning the historical significance of Cheirap Court Complex, the Chief Minister also expressed the State Government's willingness to properly develop the complex under an architectural blueprint.

Regarding connectivity, the Chief Minister said that due to the persistent request of the State Government, AirAsia, Jet Airways and Air India had already started direct flights between Imphal and Delhi.

Charter flight service under regional connectivity scheme UDAN and helicopter service are also in the offing, he informed.

Acting Chief Justice of High Court of Manipur, Justice N Kotiswar Singh, Law and Legislative Affairs Minister L Jayantakumar Singh, Advocate General N Kumarjit Singh and High Court of Manipur Judge Justice Kh Nobin were also present at the occasion as dignitaries.

In his speech, Justice N Kotiswar lauded the State Government for its sincere cooperation towards improving the legal affairs of the State.

He also mentioned about the infrastructure and manpower needs of the State Judiciary system apart from dwelling upon the historical relevance of Cheirap Court complex.

He said that separate Fast Track Courts for ND & PS and crime against women had become a reality due to the keen interest and dedicated effort of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

Speaking at the occasion, L Jayantakumar said that drug menace is a serious problem in the State as it is located close to the international border and the notorious Golden Triangle.

Stating that many have fallen victims to drug abuse and trafficking in the State, the Minister said that it is the responsibility of the Government to save its citizens from this evil.

Urging the legal fraternity to deliver justice to the public through this Special Court in an efficient manner, the Minister also appealed to the public to utilise the service of the new Court.

Judges, Judicial Officers, Advocates and other members of the legal fraternity were also present at the function.

Comment