Meet takes stand against poppy cultivation
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 21 2023: A joint meet cum awareness programme of ICHAM and village leaders of Lungchong Maiphei (LM) Block, Ukhrul district held on Saturday resolved to stand against illegal poppy cultivation in any of the 28 villages under the block and to support the government's War on Drugs mission.

ICHAM advisor N Rajendro said that poppy cultivation and drug trafficking have become serious threat to the very survival of the people of the state as several youths, who are the future pillars of the society have succumbed to drugs and substance abuse.

The state is at a crucial juncture and one cannot simply turn a blind eye to the evolving dire situation simply because their family members are not involved in this.

The menace will engulf the society one day if stringent actions were not taken up today and it will need full support from the public to eradicate the menace of drugs, he said.

The government has started arresting village chiefs for their involvement or supporting poppy cultivation.

Though he feels sorry for the village chiefs, the present situation demands a drastic action in order to deter such illegal 'activities.

It is unfortunate that the menace of illegal poppy cultivation has spread in all the hill districts.

Parents should think of their children and grandchildren before stepping into such activities as they might also become victims of the menace one day, Rajendro elaborated while calling for public support in banning poppy cultivation.

ICHAM president Yuimi Horam said that abusing drugs is like consuming a slow poison.

It not only affects the abuser but also his/her family, friends, locality and the whole society.

A handful of individuals might gain some financial benefits from the practice of illegal poppy cultivation but it will affect the whole society.

It is akin to committing genocide, he said.

On the other hand, poppy cultivation involves large scale deforestation and soil degradation, which will ultimately result in landslides and climate change.

Using excessive chemical fertiliser in this practice will not only degrade the soil but also affects the health of the people as these toxic chemicals are absorbed into the soil and further get mixed in water bodies, which will ultimately end up in human consumption, he said.

He then called for a joint effort and supporting the War on Drugs mission.

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