AMUCO fears social discord over poppy eradication drive
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 12 2023:
Maintaining that there are many powerful people behind poppy plantations and they could avenge for the extensive poppy destruction campaign being carried out by the state by fomenting communal tension among the various communities settling in the state, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) has stressed the need for the government to take up precautionary measures beforehand.
This was stated by AMUCO president Ph Nando Luwang on the occasion of its 30th foundation day celebration held at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai community hall on Sunday.
The celebration was marked by offering of floral tributes to the photos of departed members.
Speaking as one of the presidium members, Nando Luwang acknowledged as that poppy plantation is being carried out for the last many years and has been a cause of concern for both the government the public, the government launched the "War against Drugs" campaign and as part of it, poppy plantations in hill areas are being destroyed.
Due to the intense campaign, it is obvious that certain groups and individuals affected, financially, and left heartbroken would be scheming to settle score, he cautioned and suggested that the government and the public remain on high alert to foil diabolic intentions of anti-social elements.
Nando also claimed that AMUCO has enough evidence to prove involvement of influential individuals in the mass cultivation of poppy in the state.
Therefore, they could take revenge for the destruction caused to poppy plantation through devious means, including creating communal tension among the various communities.
Pointing out the irrationality of blaming only the people of the hills for the drastic change in the environment, the AMUCO president stated that the valley people are also responsible for the ecological imbalance which is being experienced in the plain areas.
The need of the hour is for the people of both the hills and the plains to join hands in protecting the environment.
Nando Luwang also questioned sincerity of authority concerned in the distribution of fertilizers and abundant use of it in poppy plantations as fertilizers are government-controlled items.
"It is also doubtful whether the fertilizers allotted to the MLAs for distribution in their respective constituencies are being diverted for use in poppy plantations," he opined.
Nando also pointed out the need for the government to look into issues arising out of misuse of licenced guns considering the spike in crimes in the state.
AMUCO stands for the welfare of each and every community in the state and supports all programmes taken up by certain organisations for the good of the community concerned.
However, the organisation is vehemently against those who are parochial and consistently plotting for causing distress to other communities, he affirmed.
While maintaining that AMUCO still stands for the territorial integrity of Manipur, Nando Luwang stated that the organisation will do whatever is necessary if the 'framework agreement' disturbs the territorial integrity of the state.
The function was also attended by AMUCO advisor Ito Tongbram, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur president L Memchoubi and All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs' Organization (AMMPACO) president Manawar Ali as presidium members.
Along with presentation of cultural songs and dances, the function also had presentations of gifts to media persons and office bearers of the organisation.