Tangkhuls adopt stand against poppy plantation
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 09 2022: A common declaration of the Tangkhul community which categorically says no to poppy plantation and other drug related activities in Tangkhul inhabited areas was submitted to Chief Minister N Biren today.

A huge meeting which was attended by around three lakh people of Tangkhul community was held at Ukhrul on May 5 and a common resolution against poppy plantation and other drug related activities was adopted then.

The resolution was submitted to the Chief Minister today by leaders of Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Wungnao Long and Tangkhul Katamnao Long.

The Tangkhul community's resolution noted that use of chemical fertilizers in poppy plantation has rendered many areas unsuitable for other crops and these fertilizers have contaminated many water sources.

The resolution pledged to stop poppy plantation in all Tangkhul inhabited areas with immediate effect and take up necessary measures for conservation of environment.

Tangkhuls adopt stand against poppy plantation

Speaking to media persons at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, N Biren stated that a delegation of Poumai leaders came to his office two days back and pledged support to the Government's War on Drugs.

They also pledged to stop poppy plantation in all the areas inhabited by Poumai community.

"And today, the Tangkhul community which has a very large population, has resolved to ban poppy plantation as well as all drug related activities in all the hill ranges inhabited by the community.

For this, I, on behalf of the State Government, would like to convey heartfelt gratitude to the Tangkhul community", the Chief Minister stated.

He then exuded confidence that the future generations who are staring at a very grim future can now be saved.

"We can now protect our deteriorating environment and ensure ecological balance", Biren said.

He then called upon all the other communities to come out openly against poppy plantation and smuggling of drugs just as the Poumai and Tangkhul communities have done.

Biren stated that the Government alone cannot do anything without the people's support.

Informing that the Government has identified the villages/areas of the valley where smuggling/peddling of drugs is done, the Chief Minister asked all concerned to stop smuggling/peddling drugs immediately.

If anything untoward happens when police come in pursuit of the drug dealers, it would be unfortunate for the whole locality.

It's time for every locality to stand up against drug dealers, Biren asserted.

Saying that the Tangkhul's resolution has given a new strength, Biren reiterated that no poppy planter or drug dealer would be let scot-free.

He also appealed to all concerned to stop establishment of new villages/hamlets after clearing hill ranges.

Noting that many forest areas of the State are now facing a very precarious situation, the Chief Minister appealed to all the people keep villages in close clusters.

He further appealed to all concerned to stop shifting villages after every few years.

The Government would never remain silent to the deteriorating environment, the Chief Minister asserted.

Village Chief Association president AS Ramnganing said that the negative impacts of poppy plantation and manufacturing of opium have been felt by many people.

Saying that the rate of drug abuse and smuggling of drugs has been rising alarmingly in Ukhrul, Ramnganing said that all the villager chiefs are deeply concerned with the issue and they appreciate the Government's War on Drugs.

Pointing out that poppy plantation has severely affected ecological balance and many hill slopes are now barren, Ramnganing appealed to all the people to cooperate with the Government as responsible citizens.