Govt can end poppy plantation anytime: Meghachandra
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 21 2022:
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra Singh contended that the government can end poppy plantation in the state anytime if has the determination to do so.
He also called as ridiculous for the government to harp on the launch of 'War on Drug' campaign in-spite of being at the helm of affairs for over six years, especially amid regular seizures of narcotic drugs, including opium.
Responding to queries by media persons on government's 'War on Drugs' campaign on the sidelines of 31st Death Anniversary observance of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi at Congress Bhawan here, the MPCC president opined that it would be impracticable to prevent poppy plantation merely by meeting some leaders and chiefs of some small villages unless the government has the will and properly galvanises its resources and manpower to curb the menace.
The government can do anything within state's jurisdiction and can even utilise helicopter to identify poppy plantation areas within one hour to end poppy plantation within a short time, he reasoned while maintaining that it is meaningless to launch 'War on Drug' campaign for six years to end poppy plantation.
According to K Meghachandra, the BJP government is taking up 100 days programme but most parts of valley areas of the state face flood even during a spell of heavy rain as water resources department did not make any programme in the past five years.
He also said that government's fruitless efforts to stop deforestation and poppy plantation coupled with lack of proper policy are main causes of flooding in the state.
Former chief minister O Ibobi Singh, who also attended the commemorative event, maintained that Congress party never believes in violence and it is the oldest organisation in the world fully committed to non-violence.
Describing as huge loss for the country that an act of terrorism ended life of country's young and dynamic Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Ibobi said the day he (Rajiv) was killed is being remembered till date as Anti-terrorism Day, and stressed the need to realise dreams of the late Prime Minister.
The observance function was also attended by former and present Congress MLAs and party workers.
As part of the observance, MPCC also donated edible items to Yaibirel Children Home, Keibi Sanapat.