AIMS submits memorandum to PM
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 04 2022:
The Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting several issues plaguing the State.
In the memorandum which was also signed by Prof Amar Yumnam, former Vice Chancellor of Manipur University; Yambem Laba, former Chairperson-in-charge of Manipur Human Rights Commission and Dr S Manikanta, retd Additional Director of Manipur Health Services along with AIMS office bearers, it mentioned that Manipur has been plagued by incessant insurgency for the last 50 years and this reality has been made more complex by the presence of elements indulging in narco-terrorism at the international border.
Claiming that these elements are adept in pretending to be insurgents while making inroads into the administrative mechanism of the State, AIMS claimed that huge tracts of land in the mountain regions of the State have been transformed into poppy fields.
Further claiming that there are also clandestine factories which convert poppy into heroin in the State, the memorandum stated that drug abuse among the youth is increasing rapidly as the street price of heroin is low in Manipur.
There is an urgent need to provide alternative means to substitute poppy plantation and establish a regional level mental health institute in Manipur to meet the challenges arising out of prolonged exposure to insurgency and drug abuse in the State as well as in the North East region, AIMS said.
The memorandum also said that developing a new international highway connecting Manipur with Myanmar via Khamasom in Ukhrul district and with the Homilin Port on the Chindwin River in Myanmar will boost the Act East Policy of the Government.
It also opined that establishing an International University in Manipur will attract students and scholars from South East and East Asia.