KNO warns poppy cultivators
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 16 2023:
The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) has warned of severe consequences to any poppy growers who fail to destroy their poppy fields within 10 days.
In a communique issued on Monday, KNO president PS Haokip said, "The Kuki National Organisation has categorically banned poppy cultivation since 2016 .
Response from the chiefs in the interest of preserving the environment and to disengage from illegal activities has been very positive.
However, a few individuals encouraged by non-SoO groups have continued the cultivation (poppy).
Consequently, the police have arrested a number of Kuki chiefs, which brings disgrace to the community besides causing irreparable damage to the environment, let alone the ill consequences upon the general population" .
"Therefore, KNO, hereby, issues stem warning that any individual engaged in poppy cultivation must destroy the poppy fields within 10 days.
Failure to comply will necessarily incur severe consequences," the KNO communique added.
Meanwhile, Kuki Revolutionary Army (KNO/KRA) in its press communique on Monday said it extended its support to Manipur government's 'War on Drugs' campaign.
The KRA further said, "This organisation has never once taken steps to encourage the illegal poppy plantation within its operational areas.
Poppy is not the only solution to overcome crisis over poverty.
There are several ways to fight poverty, and illegal ways through black business is not the answer to it".
It then urged the village chiefs and the cultivators (of poppy) to support and join hands with chief minister N Biren Singh and destroy all the illegal cultivations in the hills within these coming 3 days.
"The KNO/KRA is under SoO with the GOI/GOM and will do nothing against the will of the government.
May this War on Drugs' campaign create a new environment free from all corruption and henceforth build the youths to create a strong and better Manipur," the organisation added.