Awareness campaign against poppy launched in Ukhrul
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, July 09 2022:
Additional chief secretary of Health & Family Welfare Vamlunmang Vualnam on Saturday launched a district-wide awareness campaign against poppy cultivation in Ukhrul district.
The launch programme was organised by Tangkhul Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at Phungcham village.
The CSOs initiated the campaign to spread awareness about the dangers of illicit poppy cultivation in line with the state government's War on Drugs 2.0 movement across the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Vualnam congratulated the Tangkhul CSOs for coming up with the initiative and stated: "This is the first ever district-wide awareness campaign against poppy cultivation launched in the state".
He said tackling the menace of illegal opium is a three-tier exercise.
The first part is decimation of the illegal crops by the law enforcement and the second, finding alternatives of livelihood for the farmers by various departments, he said.
"And the third part is spreading awareness and sensitisation among the farmers and this is what we are starting here today", he added.
While appreciating that the initiative had shown the unity and enthusiasm of Tangkhul community in the fight against drugs, he warned that the road ahead could be riddled with challenges.
"Tackling drugs will not be an easy task.
Challenges and issues of varied nature could arise further down the road.
At this point, my appeal to you all is to step forward with the spirit of unity and cooperation among all the stakeholders".
said the high-ranking bureaucrat.
He nevertheless expressed confidence, stating that with the spirit of unity and cooperation, the menace of drugs in our lands be defeated.
Vualnam, who is also the principal secretary to Chief Minister, said that to resolve such issues and grievances of the people, the state government has now introduced Miyam Gi Numit at each of the district headquarters.
He informed that respective DCs would hold interactive meeting on third Friday of each month, which will be attended by office representatives from all departments.
"This will be a platform for the public to highlight their issues and get them resolved without people having to go down to Imphal", he added.
He also stated that poppy is a drug which brings forth violence and all social ills.
"Opium is too dangerous to be brought into our life, village, community etc.", he cautioned.
Delivering the keynote address, TNL vice-president Tuisem Kamkara said recognising the negative impacts of opium on communities, Tangkhul CSOs resolved to stand against poppy cultivation in the district.
He said that thereafter, the CSOs also met with CM N Biren at his office and assured of their commitment to fight poppy plantation.