Tangkhul village chiefs reaffirm stand against drugs
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Mamang
Ukhrul, February 21 2023:
The titular king of Manipur and Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba has urged all stakeholders, especially the village chiefs of Tangkhul community, to cooperate with the state government's initiative to root out illegal poppy cultivation and drug menace from the state.
MP Sanajaoba made the appeal during the inaugural function of a newly constructed multi-purpose hall of Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) at Wino bazar in Ukhrul town on Tuesday.
"My earnest appeal to all the village chiefs is to adopt a collective resolution so as to reaffirm their stand against drugs when you all are gathered here tomorrow," he pleaded, referring to the TNWL general assembly scheduled to be held at the new multi-purpose hall on February 22 .
He reiterated that the state government under the leadership of chief minister N Biren has been taking up the initiative to combat illegal poppy cultivation and drug menace in the state.
He, nevertheless, added that the fight against drugs is not just the responsibility of the government, but everyone is equally responsible because drugs are posing a big threat to the future of the upcoming generation.
"It is not possible for the government to root out the menace of drugs without the cooperation of the people," MP Sanajaoba said, seeking the cooperation of all stakeholders in the initiative.
He also asked the village chiefs to sensitise the people on the dangers of drugs and convince all local farmers to shun illegal poppy cultivation in their respective villages.
Complementing the MP's call, TNWL president SA Ramnganing stated that all Tangkhul village chiefs and Tangkhul civil society organisations had adopted a resolution to eradicate drugs and have always stood against drugs and intoxicants.
"We assure that all Tangkhul village chiefs will have in-depth discussion and adopt another strong resolution to reaffirm our collective stand against drugs during our upcoming assembly," he declared.
Deviating from the topic, Ramnganing highlighted that occupation of public properties and school buildings in various villages of the district by security forces has not only caused inconveniences to the public but also has negatively impacted the education of the children.
He said that Tangkhul CSOs have submitted several memoranda and apprised the authorities about the unwanted situation created by the military occupation but no positive response has come forth so far.
He then appealed to the visiting Rajya Sabha MP to intervene and do the needful so as to end the militarisation of the villages at the earliest.
Attending the function as chief guest, MP Sanajaoba cut the ceremonial ribbon and inaugurated the new building in the presence of TNL president David K Shimray, TNWL president Ramnganing and Ukhrul DC Krishna Kumar.
Ramnganing expressed gratitude to MP Sanajaoba for extending financial assistance in the construction of the new building which was built at a cost of Rs 25 lakh, while also acknowledging the financial support from DC Krishna Kumar.
On the occasion, Guru Rawung and local cultural groups like Hunphun Khanuithot Cultural Research Forum (HK-CRF) and Hungpung Social Cultural Organisation (HSCO) performed different folk songs to enthral the gathering.
Representatives of various Tangkhul CSOs, Longphang zonal organisations and village chiefs from all corners of the district attended the event.
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