PNU declares Poumai areas drug free zone
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, May 07 2022: A huge delegate of the Poumai tribe, led by Karong AC MLA J Kumo Sha, Poumai Naga Union president D Dailord Pao, Poumai Naga Women's Union president P Delilah Pao and other CSO leaders submitted a resolution of the tribe declaring Poumai areas as drug free zone to Chief Minister N Biren Singh, today.

The decision to declare Poumai areas as drug free zone was arrived at during the Poumai general body meeting held on April 28, 2022.The meeting also adopted a strong resolution against poppy plantation.

The resolution submitted to the Chief Minister today reads, "The office of the Poumai Naga Union, PNU, Senapati district, Manipur, in recognition of Chief Minister N Biren's initiative on War Against Drugs, and after a threadbare discussion about the importance of preserving, conserving our forest, land resources and in the larger interest of the people and its future, hereby resolves to curb and control plantation of poppy or any other forms of drugs in the Poumai Naga area and its jurisdiction.

Henceforth, the house unani- mously declares the Poumai Naga area as drug free zone on this day, the 28th April, 2022" .

PNU declares Poumai areas drug free zone

Speaking to media persons at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, N Biren appreciated the Poumai tribe for the resolution and declaration and further commended that it is quite encouraging and supportive of the government's War against Drugs.

It is indeed a historic moment, the Chief Minister said, highlighting that there have been instances of villages coming out in support of the War Against Drug, but it is the first time that such a large community or tribe has come out and declared support to the War Against Drug.

He further expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the declaration.

The Government alone cannot do anything without the support of the masses, he said.

Stressing that there are also indications that other communities will join the fight soon, Biren said that any success gained in the movement will be for the public, not the Government.

The Government only acts as the driver, he added.

The Chief Minister also lauded and appreciated the role of the media in the movement.

Thanking and appreciating the Poumai community, the Chief Minister further prayed for peace, well-being and bright future of the community.

The Chief Minister also appealed to all communities and tribes to join the movement and reiterated his stand that there will be no compromise on the issue of illegal drugs.

Biren said people involved in the drug business in the valley should understand that the drug menace is detrimental to the future of the society and all illegal drug related businesses should be put to stop.

He observed that almost 70 per cent of the people of hills have come out strongly supporting the movement to eradicate drugs and called upon those involved in illegal drug business, encoura- ging poppy plantation, drug peddling to young students, etc in the valley to cease their operations.

MLA J Kumo Sha appreciated the resolution of the Poumai community as the largest tribe of Senapati district to support the Chief Minister's initiative of War against Drug and termed the tribe's decision as the 'wisest decision of the union and the people' .

The MLA appreciated the Chief Minister's War Against Drug and said there is no one who says drug is good, and further appreciated and congratulated leaders of the tribe on taking the resolution, as one of the largest tribe in Senapati district, to lead from the front in the War Against Drug and declare all its jurisdiction as drug free zone.

He further expressed hope that other tribes, communities from other districts will also follow suit.

Other leaders of the tribe also expressed hope that other communities and tribes will also follow and join the fight to eradicate drugs from the State.

United Naga Council (UNC) former president Paul Leo said, "We have a responsibility towards making the society drug free.

The declaration alone is not enough, but we have to spread awareness among the villagers also" .

"We will heed advice of the CM and also seek support of the Government", he added.