CM inspects development works at Sangai Ethnic Park
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, December 24 2022: Chief Minister N Biren Singh visited the INA Memorial Complex, Moirang and the Sangai Ethnic Park at Moirang Khunou and inspected the development works taken up there prior to G20 events which will be held in the State from February 16 to 18 next year.

Briefing media persons at the INA Memorial Complex, N Biren Singh informed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to visit Mani-pur in January next year.

The State Government has requested the Union Home Minister to hoist a 165 feet high Indian National Flag at the INA Memorial Complex, he said.

He continued that a memorial site dedicated to about 185 brave soldiers who joined the Indian National Army, to liberate India from the British, would also be developed.

The memorial site would also be inaugurated by the Union Home Minister during his visit, he added.

CM inspects development works at Sangai Ethnic Park

Mentioning his visit to the Sangai Ethnic Park, the Chief Minister informed that a session of the G20 Summit 2023 would also be held in the State.

Representatives of participating countries will visit different places of the State, including the Loktak Lake, Sangai Ethnic Park and others.

He also informed that the grand finale of the Femina Miss India would be held at the Sangai Ethnic Park in the first week of April, 2023 .

He said his visit to the park was to see the progress of the development works taken up there and ensure its completion before the G20 session.

The Chief Minister further said Union Home Minister Amit Shah appreciated the State Government for its War on Drugs and the campaign to provide and encourage people to adopt alternative crops to poppy planters.

The State Government has been raising awareness at villages in hill areas regarding the harmful impacts of poppy plantations.

The villages are being encouraged to avoid poppy planta- tions in their areas and the farmers are being advised to adopt alternative crops.

As revealed by two village chiefs arrested by the police, the State Government has come to know that poppy plantations are being done under the pressure of some militant outfits under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement.

To identify and check poppy plantations, the Chief Minister said surveys are being carried out using drones in some interior parts of the State.

Combined forces consisting of personnel of Manipur Police and Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB) are being deployed to destroy identified poppy plantations, he said.

Advising those engaged in the poppy plantation to stop their activities immediately, he said the Govern- ment may take up harsh actions against them.

Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the Government can confiscate even the properties of drug dealers and poppy planters.

During the visits, the Chief Minister was accompanied by Education Minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar, MLA of Moirang AC Thongam Shanti, MLA of Thanga AC Tongbram Robindro, MLA of Lamsang AC Sorokhaibam Rajen, Chairman of Loktak Development Authority M Asnikumar, Chief Secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar, Managing Director of Manipur Police Housing Corporation Limited Christopher Doungel, Additional Chief Secretary V Vumlunmang and other State officials.