Poppy plantation area down by 50-60 pc: Biren
CM flags off bike rally to mark observance of International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, June 26 2024: Chief Minister N Biren Singh flagged off a bike rally; from the western gate of the Chief Minister's Secretariat, organised in connection with the "International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking" on Wednesday.

The bike rally was organised by Manipur Police department under the global theme "The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention".

Speaking on the occasion, CM Biren pointed out that the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed across the world to stand against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Noting that Manipur was among the worst affected places of drug abuse with high rate of HIV infected people in 1990s, he, however, asserted that under the War on Drugs Campaign launched by the state government in 2018 to save the youth and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan under the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government has been able to tackle drug menace to some extent.

Biren continued that many illegal drugs manufacturing units in the state have been busted and many people associated with drugs trafficking arrested.

Mentioning that destruction of poppy cultivation was carried out on a large scale across the state with the help of police and central forces, the CM informed that the area of poppy cultivation has declined by around 50 to 60 percent, as surveyed through satellite mapping.

Recalling the incident where a VDF personnel lost his life while carrying out poppy destruction drives, Biren appreciated the state police for their dedicated efforts towards the War on Drugs campaign.

He further appreciated the people of the state including certain civil society organisations for their unwavering support to the campaign.

He also credited the achievement to the efforts of the people of Manipur from both the hills and valleys, as well as the security forces.

"With support of hill village chiefs, valley-based CSOs and security forces, drug trafficking in the state has declined to some extent," the chief minister said.

With reference to drug issues in the 1990s, he reiterated that in response to the menace, his government implemented a robust initiative against drug abuse, resulting in the arrest of numerous smugglers and individuals linked to international drug cartels.

"With support from the masses, the government will remain committed to uprooting the drug menace from the state," he declared and appealed to the public to stand together against drug abuse and make Manipur a drug free state.

Meanwhile, the bike rally, which included over a hundred officers and security personnel, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of combating cross-border illegal trafficking.

The rally headed towards Bishnupur district from where it proceeded to Kakching district via Moirang, Kumbi, Wangoo and returned to the state's capital after covering Thoubal district.

During the rally, interaction programmes were held at the district headquarters by the respective Superintendents of Police.

The flag off programme was also attended by ministers, MP, MLAs, chief secretary Dr Vineet Joshi, DGP Rajiv ' Singh, and other high ranking police officials among others.

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