SDFK urges State Government to provide alternative for poppy plantation
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, January 28 2021:
The non-SoO Kuki militant outfit, Socialist Democratic Front of Kukiland (SDFK) expressed its reservations on the destruction of poppy plantations in the hill district, especially in Kuki inhabited areas, without first providing any suitable alternatives to the people.
The outfit's information and publicity secretary, S Kuki said that the Socialist Democratic Front of Kukiland condemn the destruction of the poppy cultivations in Kuki inhabited areas without putting in place a suitable alternative for their livelihood, thereby destroying the main source of livelihood of the people.
He mentioned what has been done by the Government since 71 years of India's Independence for the development and economic stability of the hill people and questioned how many industries, warehouses and factories have been set up by the Government in the hills.
Did the N Biren Singh led Government give any financial package for the poor cultivators.
What changes have been brought by the 'Go to Village' mission in the hills, he asked.
S Kuki added that the people devote their lives to poppy cultivation as the last resort for economic sustainability mainly because of the untold negligence of developments in the hills and the absence of alternative sources of livelihood.
He urged the State Government to prepare suitable alternative arrangements for financial stability of the cultivators before destroying the poppy plantations and stated that the forcible eradication of poppy cultivation is inhuman and it will be considered lack of depth and vision in its approach unless the Government provides sustainable alternative livelihoods.
He also said that as crops, other than poppy products the income generated from Jhum cultivation in the hills have been declining over the years and is insufficient for the people to feed even an average family throughout the year.
This is why they were compelled to engage in poppy cultivation to purchase food and daily essential needs, apart from other necessities.
S Kuki further alleged that the destruction of the poppy plantations by the State Government before providing suitable alternatives is unfortunate, cold-hearted and inhumane towards the hill people and given the amount of economic dependence the farming communities have on opium, the forced eradication initiated by law enforcing agencies will destroy the livelihoods and incomes of many rural households.
"Poppy eradication cannot succeed in the hills without viable economic alternatives as many rural households' are dependent on its farming", he added.