Kuki chiefs join anti-poppy drive, seek Govt help
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 05 2023:
Kuki Chiefs' Association (KCA) has declared its unstinted support to the "War on Drugs" campaign launched under the initiative of chief minister N Biren with the aim of eradicating poppy cultivation in the state while urging the competent authority to provide alternative arrangement for poppy farmers to bring them back to the mainstream.
A decision to this effect was arrived at during a joint meeting convened by KCA and Information Centre for Hill Area Manipur (ICHAM) at the district training centre, M Sonngel Model village which minutely discussed measures to be taken up for eradication of poppy plantation in Churachandpur area.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, KCA vice president Holkhomang Haokip informed that earlier during the 90s, marijuana used to be planted widely but later replaced with poppy plantation, which has become next to impossible for the laymen to stop.
The chiefs' attempts in the past to stop the unlawful activities were all in vain.
But now, since the government has taken a strong stand for eradication of poppy plantation in the state, the eradication process will become a reality and the public also need to lend support to the government, Holk-homang said, while adding that the government needs to come up with an alternative arrangement for the poppy farmers who are accustomed to the easy way of earning, and help them return to the mainstream.
"Though it may be difficult to immediately stop the poppy farmers from cultivating poppy, Kuki Chiefs' Association along with ICHAM will continue to work ceaselessly for poppy eradication," he assured.
ICHAM president Yuimi Horam, who also took part in the meeting, informed that in trying to earn fast and easy money through poppy plantation, we are trying to eradicate humanity.
So, it is high time we join hands and contribute to the government's effort in eradicating poppy plantation.
Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi president Kamthang Haokip also informed that his association along with other organisations under Kuki Inpi jointly formed anti-drug association and took up anti-drug drives.
However, with the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in the state in 2019, all its activities came to a standstill and it was during this time that many people were found to have engaged in poppy plantation again, which is very unfortunate.
"Now, the anti-drug drive will continue and help in the government's effort to eradicate poppy plantations," he added.
ICHAM and Kuki Chiefs' Association are also all set to continue drive of eradicating poppy plantations in other districts of the state as well.
The meeting was also attended by ICHAM former president Nongthombam Rajendro.