L Susindro Meitei urges for stringent punishment against poppy cultivators
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 04 2023:
Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF & PD) Minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei has called for more stringent punishment against poppy cultivators.
The Minister was speaking at the felicitation programme of selected MBBS students from Khurai Assembly Constituency accompanied by handing over of monetary aid to said selected students today.
The function was held at the Minister's residence at Khurai Sajor Leikai and organised by Susindro Foundation.
Speaking on the occasion, Leishangthem Susindro Meitei stated that water tanks/reservoirs were constructed at a multitude of places under the Jal Jeevan Mission funded by the National Development Bank.
However these tanks now remain empty due to large-scale clearing of forests for poppy cultivation.
He also added that it is high time to question who will be held accountable during times of water scarcity.
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He then pointed out the impracticality of relying on hand pumps for water and urged people to let go of short sighted thinking that could prove detrimental in the long run.
The Minister also highlighted the increased number of people taking up poppy cultivation while accusing those who partake in it of taking this activity as lightly as the cultivation of mustard.
In view of these circumstances, the Minister zeroed in on the necessity of doling out more harsh penalties to poppy cultivators.
Maintaining that the State Government's 'War on Drugs' campaign is in the interest of future generations, he sought people's support in this regard.
On the other hand, an amount of Rs 10,000 each was handed out to the eighteen felicitated students.
Reportedly, they will receive a total amount of Rs 50,000 each over the duration of their MBBS course.