No compromise on war on drugs: CM Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service /DIPR

Imphal, March 17 2023: Chief Minister N Biren has made a strong appeal to all those involved in poppy plantation and illegal drug business to shun all such activities, considering the destructive effects of these acts on the society.

He also warned of stronger actions against anyone found involved in these illegal actions.

The Chief Minister made the appeal during a press conference held at the Chief Minister's Secretariat late Friday evening.

Stating that the government take these illegal actions as a great challenge to the society, the CM urged every one against encouraging such illegal activities even on social media.

He further stressed that the government will not make any compromise on the War on Drugs campaign.

Informing that two individuals were arrested along with 20.27 kg of poppy seeds, four unregistered Kenbo bikes (Myanmar-made) and two single barrel guns from Old Boljang village under Lhungtin sub division on Friday; Biren ques -tioned the motive and intention of certain individuals continuing with such illegal acts despite the appeals from the government and the support from the public to the War on Drugs.

The two arrested individuals have been identified as Ngamginsei Singson (20) s/o Mangseih Sing-son of Theljang Village and Lelen Khongsai (32) s/o (L) Pabul Khong-sai of Tuibong Bazar, both presently staying at Old Boljang village.

Citing the seizure of the Myanmar-made bikes, the CM further raised doubt over whether Myan-marese nationals were involved in these illegal activities.

He informed that on receiving reliable information about poppy plantations around Old Boljang Village, a joint team of Police, NAB, MR/IRB and Forest Department went to the village on March 16.They then carried out a destruction of about 10 acres of poppy cultivation found growing on the hill ranges adjacent to the village.

The team, however, found no one in the village on that day, he said.

It may be noted that Old Boljang village is located in an unclassified reserved forest area and is yet to be recognised as a revenue village.

Continuing that a case has been registered at Saikul Police Station, Biren urged the public to continue supporting the War on Drugs campaign, which is moving in the right direction with the support of people, CSOs, village chiefs, MLAs and ministers among others.

He appreciated Manipur Police and Forest department for their active involvement in the campaign.

Observing the emergence of anti-national comments against the War on Drugs campaign on social media platforms, the chief minister conveyed that an individual from Kangpokpi, who made disrespectful comments against this campaign of the state government, was arrested and put in custody.

He then said that the state government will not bow down to any anti-nationalist, while reminding all concerned, regardless of the community they belong to, of the long hands of the law.

One should refrain from disturbing the peace and harmony of the state, he asserted.

Responding to questions from reporters, Biren said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been apprised of the state government's withdrawal from the suspension of operation (SoO) agreement with two hill-based insurgent groups, Kuki National Army (KNA) and Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA)r during his (Biren) recent visit to Delhi.

The centre has also been informed of the illegal activities being carried out by the two groups in violation of the ground rules of SoO.

For now, all that is left is to see the centre's opinion on the matter, he stated.

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