Poppy, public & Golden Triangle

Free Thinker *

Normally we blame the people for planting poppies. Perhaps we never try to understand why the poppy is planted on such a large scale in the hills. I may be wrong but I believe this plantation gives them good returns; rather it is a lucrative affair. If you grow maize, ginger or alum or potato or pumpkin, or turmeric you will not get the price that poppy offers.

Moreover, there is no immediate return by planting trees (orange, lemon, rubber, sandalwood, 'yongchak' – parkia speciosa etc.) Trees take time to grow big. They take a few years to bear fruits. Even in the case of rubber or sandalwood, it takes years to give good returns.

Growing trees will save the environment and it also results in conserving water – people know all these things. Then why do they go for poppy - obviously it gives an immediate return that too quite handsomely; poor people will certainly be lured by it, particularly those who are living from hand to mouth.

In fact, the people in the hills are very poor and they struggle daily for survival. They live in the present and they can't think of the future. The future is uncertain for them. In such a situation if they are paid handsomely for growing poppy – certainly they will go for it. And most of the areas are unclaimed forest areas – poppies are grown where no one claims absolute ownership.

Even if the police chop off the poppy flowers or plants – they will grow up in no time. How many times you can cut the plants? Huge manpower is required to destroy them. One policeman says it is a humongous task to cut the plants; officers simply give orders to cut the plants even though they are not fully equipped with scythe or falcon grass choppers or swords. Machines are actually required to uproot them.

Some big shots and leaders might have influenced the poor people to plant poppies and perhaps they are also the ones who give them good prices. The poppy plant, (papaver somniferum - family of Papaveraceae), produces opium, an amazing narcotic whose derivatives include morphine, codeine, heroin, etc.

The Golden Triangle is a region that is known for its drug production and trafficking. It is in Southeast Asia which includes parts of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. The Golden Triangle is a major producer of opium and heroin for many years. The drugs that are produced in this region often end up in other parts of the world, including Europe and the USA.

Drug trafficking in and around the Golden Triangle has had a devastating and far-reaching impact on many parts of the globe. The drugs have not only caused addiction and crime but also contributed to the spread of AIDS and other diseases. Illegal activities have also resulted in the deaths of many people. Our State is also a victim of drug trafficking and addiction.

Responsible authorities and governments have been working to address the problem of drug trafficking, but it is a big challenge. The drug cartels are very powerful, extremely wealthy, and well-armed; they often bribe the powerful people who are in high positions not to disturb their business.

The governments need to increase their efforts to combat drug trafficking, and they also need to provide assistance to the people who have been affected by it.

Drug production and trafficking in the Golden Triangle is a global menace. It is causing great harm to people all over, and it is also contributing to the spread of disease and crime. The governments in the region need to be more proactive to address this problem.

The fear is whether the cartels operating in the Golden Triangle area have intruded into our territory. Then it will be a very hard task for us to encounter them. They are extremely capable because of their money power. They can even influenced governments; they can purchase concerned military or police officers; they can even bribe the top leaders.

Closely observing the poppy plantations, and huge hauls of drugs, - it is almost certain that we are under the shadow of the Triangle. The pertinent question is whether the areas of the Golden triangle have been extended towards Northeast India. If it is true we need to nip it in the bud. Otherwise, we are doomed. No one will come to our rescue. We have to defend ourselves.

Our leaders of all kinds are earnestly requested that for the sake of making fast bucks and getting rich instantly please don't put the people in peril. We all know drugs and heroin can destroy our society.

If we indulge in poppy production, heroin processing, and trafficking, we are no doubt becoming a part of the notorious Golden Triangle. So, we must come together and fight this war against drugs. This is not a 'War of CM' alone it is a war that is to be fought by each one of us.

Jai Bholenath! Give us a viable alternative to poppy – less harmful and equally lucrative. Sir, please let the people understand what you mean in this Shivaratri.