'Village leaders in police custody'
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 24 2022:
Chief Minister N Biren said that three village leaders, who were arrested for allowing illegal poppy cultivation in the village land, have been remanded in police custody for six days following a court ruling on Saturday.
Sharing the information on his social media accounts, Biren said that the village leaders arrested and remanded in police custody are Selsi Village Authority secretary David Kipgen (40) son of late Jangkhohao Kipgen, Selsi VA vice-chairman Henkholun Kipgen (62) son of late Khohem Kipgen and Thinghangjang village chief Kamkhosei Haokip (48).Further interrogation revealed names of some poppy cultivators and police are tracing them, the CM said while adding that any form of encouragement or support to illegal poppy plantations and drugs smuggling will be dealt with appropriately.
In another post, the CM made an appeal to the public and pointed out that poppy cultivation uses large amount of urea and salt, which make the soil sandy making them prone to soil erosion and unable to support tree growth.
As a result, multiple instances of mass soil erosion occur and reduce water retention capacity.
Leaving such practices uncheck will lead to siltation of streams and reducing forest cover as well as degrading the natural ecosystem of hills.
He appealed to intellectuals, academicians, religious leaders, church leaders and university professionals to join hands in educating the public and preventing further involvement in such illegal practices.