Kuki village chiefs back War on Drugs' campaign
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, May 14 2022: Amid continuous support by different villages and communities to government's effort to uproot poppy cultivation, a delegation consisting of village chiefs of Saikul MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing submitted a resolution to chief minister N Biren on Saturday, declaring their support to the 'War on Drugs' campaign.

The resolution signed by chiefs of 50 villages stated that they had deliberated at length about poppy cultivation and resolved to put an immediate halt on poppy cultivation in Saikul AC.

They also resolved to approach the Government of Manipur for arranging alternative means of livelihood.

The resolution further stated that any individuals or groups who defied the resolution should, at their own risk, face any legal action taken by the authority concerned.

Talking to the media, CM Biren informed that many communities have come up one after another in support Of the government's 'War on Drugs' campaign, considering the ill effects of poppy cultivation on the environment and future generations ot the state.

He expressed appreciation to the village chiefs of Saikul AC for being the first among the Kuki community to boldly declare their stand against poppy cultivation, while informing that Kuki brethren, residing in other areas of the state, had contacted him on their support to the movement against drug menace.

The CM assured that arrangements for alternative livelihood would be taken up soon in consultation with the Horticulture and Tribal Affairs and Hills Department, and added that the government would provide all necessary support.

Taking note of the memorandum submitted by the delegation, Biren assured of setting up a Veterinary Hospital in Saikul AC soon and also to construct a Mini stadium within the constituency.

He further assured to look into what could be done on other matters mentioned in the memorandum.

The CM then appealed to all communities residing in valley areas to voluntarily come out and support the movement against the drug menace so as to totally, eradicate it from the state.

He also warned that any government officials found involved in drug-related illegal activities will be terminated from their service and put behind bars.

Responding to questions from reporters, Biren said that the involvement of police personnel in illegal drug trade is due to lapses in evaluation during recruitment of police personnel.

Thus, a detailed history of the potential police personnel needs to be taken before they are recruited into the job and as such, a strict screening process will be adopted in any future recruitment.

He then informed that the policeman arrested in the drug bust in Kangpokpi has been suspended and further action will be taken up after a detailed investigation.

Tribal Affairs and Hills minister Letpao Haokip expressed his appreciation to the delegation from Saikul AC for their support to the government's 'War on Drugs' campaign and their resolution to immediately put a halt on poppy cultivation in the AC.

He then assured of providing every possible support for ensuring alternative livelihood from the government side, while appealing to the people of other areas to support the movement, stating that support from all sections of people is needed to save the state from the ill effects of drugs.

Kuki Inpi, Saikul president Seimang Lupho and other village chiefs also took part in submitting the resolution among others.

Meanwhile, chiefs of 32 villages in Tengnoupal and Chandel districts under the aegis of Kuki Chief Association led by Horticulture and Soil Conservation minister Letpao Haokip have also declared their full support to the Chief Minister's War on Drugs mission and efforts to eradicate poppy plantation from their areas on Saturday evening.

CM Biren expressed profound happiness on the support received from village chiefs from across the state, adding that with the chiefs of Tengnoupal and Chandel districts declaring their support, we may consider that the whole border areas have been covered.

The government is making efforts to provide alternative livelihood including planting of seasonal fruits and crops.

For this, steps are being taken up to set up solar-powered cold storage in the hill areas, in addition to creating a market for selling the produces, he informed.

Stating that he understands the issues raised by the chiefs over non-deliverance of scheme benefits in far-flung border areas, the CM assured of taking up responsibility for ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach the remote areas, while urging that the chiefs, on their part, to ensure total eradication of poppy plantation from their respective areas.

Assuring all assistance from the side of the government, the CM said that minister Letpao Haokip was given the portfolio of Horticulture/Social Conser-vation/Tribal Affairs & Hills with the understanding that he (Letpao) would bring some positive changes in the poppy plantation affected areas of the hills.

Highlighting an issue raised by one of the chiefs regarding illegal entry of Myanmarese nationals to plant poppies; Biren remarked that such illegal entry of Myanmarese nationals is creating misunderstanding among the indigenous populace.

He then appealed to all sections of the society to stop making communal comments against one another on social media platforms.

Replying to a media query on the steps taken up along the Myanmar border, Biren said that a series of steps have been taken up including approval of fencing for around 100 km along the vulnerable areas, initiation of drone surveys along the border, stationing special commandos in the areas, along with efforts to set up around 14 new police stations with outposts.

Informing that the government is constructing a Tengnoupal Battle Memorial Park at Tengnoupal to commemorate one of the many battlefields of the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War, he stated that the observance of the War commemorative event at Tengnoupal and Mayang Imphal will commence from next year onwards.

The village chiefs from Tengnoupal and Chandel districts, who were present during the press meet, declared to put an immediate halt on poppy cultivation in their areas and at the same time, appealed to the government to arrange alternative livelihood as well as to ensure that benefits of government schemes reach the interior parts of the state.

They also highlighted the ills of poppy plantation including ecological imbalances due to mass deforestation carried out for poppy plantation.

KCA, Tengnoupal also assured of organising seminars to spread awareness among the villagers on the ill effects of poppy plantation, while assuring full cooperation and support to the war against drug campaign and to lead from the front.

On the other-hand, chief minister Biren strongly condemned the bomb blast at Telipati on Friday, adding that there are signs of attempts to take political advantage out of the situation.

Such malicious acts will never see the light of the day, he said, and announced that efforts will be made to apprehend the culprit(s) at the earliest and award befitting punishment.

He also appealed to the people to stand against such anti-social elements.

While stating that government is keeping a close watch on the rising water levels of rivers owing to heavy rainfall in the past few days, which has left some areas inundated; Biren informed that the officials are monitoring the situation closely, including opening the gates of the dams.

He then said that the inundation of some of the roads is due to blockage of drains for construction of houses and shops, and as such, urged the people not to do so.

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