Kpi CSOs ban poppy cultivation, appeal Govt for alternatives
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, January 27 2020:
A joint meeting of various Kuki Civil Society Organizations within Kangpokpi district, under the aegis of Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills (Kangpokpi district) has decided to enforce a strict ban on the cultivation of poppy and various others drugs in the district from this year.
The meeting was attended by Lhang Inpi such as Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai, Kuki Inpi Moltam Lhang, Kuki Inpi Tuibul Lhang, Kuki Inpi Tuilang Lhang, KSO-Sadar Hills and its constituents units such as KSO Saikul Gamkai, KSO Island, KSO Bungpi, KSO Tuilang, KSO Moltam and Kuki Women Union Sadar Hills including KWU Saikul and KWU Tuilang.
After serious deliberation, the meeting resolved to put a blanket ban on poppy cultivation from this year in support of the Government's mission to eradicate cultivation of poppy while considering the harmful consequence in the district as well.
It also resolved that anyone found indulging in poppy cultivation after the ban, will be expelled from the district.
Meanwhile, the civil bodies have also urged the State Government to provide alternative means of livelihood for the farmers and cultivators at the earliest, as assured in the larger interest of eradicating the evils of poppy cultivation in the district.