'Kukis planning mass poppy plantation'
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kakching, August 02 2024:
While alleging that refugees belonging to the Kuki community are planning mass poppy plantation at different location across the state amid the raging violence, Langsai Thouna, Kakching has appealed to the government to take steps for preventing poppy plantation.
According to Langsai Thouna convener Rajiv Kshetri, poppy plantation by Kuki refugees from Myanmar and drug trafficking by Kuki militants, who are attacking Meetei villages with sophisticated weapons procured after selling drugs, are main causes of the ongoing violence.
With Meeteis and state forces now unable to access Kuki villages, Kukis are taking advantage of such a situation and planning for mass poppy plantation after clearing vast tract of the hill slopes, claimed the convenor.
Further stating that Kukis are eyeing poppy plantations at Thingphai, Yangnoi, Kamanom, Ihang Karong and Morkon areas under Saikul sub-division in Kangpokpi district and have even completed preparations to begin poppy plantation in between August 14 to 20, Rajiv urged the state government to stop poppy plantation being planned by Kukis.