Drug seizure since Apr 20 detailed
19 year old from Myanmar named as one kingpin War on Drugs : CM credits public
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, May 18 2022: Chief Minister N Biren Singh today credited the public for the success of the Government's War on Drugs campaign and said the Government alone couldn't have achieved all the success without the untiring support and positive response of the people.

The Chief Minister said that due to incessant rainfall in the last few days, the State has been facing issues like floods in Jiribam, landslides in some areas but the Government is fully prepared for any eventuality.

He explained that the Government has been monitoring the situation 24X7, and required relief is being provided through the Deputy Commissioners concerned. Stating that this is a seasonal occurrence, he urged the people to face it together.

The Chief Minister further appealed to the people to ensure that the drainage around their homes isn't clogged.

Drug seizure since Apr 20 detailed

"We have witnessed tremendous success in the War on Drugs campaign since the formation of the new Government", the Chief Minister claimed.

He said since April 20, the State has been able to seize illegal drugs worth Rs 182 crore, 29 lakh and 43 thousand in the international market and at the same time destroyed 380 acres of poppy cultivation in the State.

What is even more encouraging for the campaign is that on May 6, the Poumai tribe which is the second largest tribe of the Nagas in Manipur declared its areas as drug-free zone and to stand against poppy plantations.

On May 9, leaders and CSOs of the largest Naga tribe, Tangkhul submitted a resolution to support the War on Drugs and to stand against poppy plantations.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the resolutions submitted by different CSOs including Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme tribes on May 12, village chiefs of Saikul AC, Tengnoupal and Chandel on May 14 in support the War on Drugs campaign.

Citing reports of illegal drugs being destroyed by youth and womenfolk in the valley, the Chief Minister said the momentum against drugs is building up in the valley areas too.

"Today we can see support and cooperation from almost all communities residing in the State", he said adding that for the first time in February 2021, a village in Ukhrul, Peh (Paoyi) voluntarily destroyed poppy cultivation in their area in support of the War on Drugs for which the village was rewarded Rs 10 lakh.

Now there are reports that the villagers have already started alternative cropping and some plantations like ginger have already begun started giving yields, he added.

He expressed hope that the collective campaign will start bearing fruit in the nearest future.

Regarding the arrest of so-called drug kingpins in the State, the Chief Minister said several drug traffickers have been arrested and named a few including one Monkhai, 19, from Myanmar.

He said anyone convicted and lodged in jail for 14-15 years in drug-related cases are all kingpins.

Further highlighting the State's achievement with regard to War on Drugs, the Chief Minister said that altogether 719.25 Kgs of contraband ganja, 940 grams of brown sugar, 18.7555 Kgs of heroin powder, 87 Kgs of WY tablets (Methamphetamine), and 20 Kgs of Crystal Ice (Methamphetamine) will be disposed of at the earliest.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the issue of illegal occupants of Government quarters and said unauthorized occupants will be dealt with severely under the law and even FIRs will be lodged, if found appropriate.

He continued that if any Government employee is found subletting their accommodation, then actions like suspension and disciplinary actions will be taken up.

He said on receiving information about the presence of illegal occupants and anti-socials even in the police barracks, an operation was conducted.

Altogether 34 employees have been suspended in this regard so far, he added.

Further briefing the media, the Chief Minister also said that a special drive has been initiated to check the number of vehicles allocated to Ministers, MLAs and all officials including the heads of departments, and to take over additional vehicles found in their possession.

Further issuing a strong warning against any police officer found utilizing uniformed personnel over and above their assigned official duties at their residences, N Biren said that an officer found doing so during a recent simultaneous raid at different locations has been put under suspension.

"I condemn and cannot tolerate such excesses", the Chief Minister stated.

Regarding development of Government quarters at New Checkon, the Chief Minister also said that the State Government has taken a loan of Rs 230 crore from HUDCO to construct a Government residential complex at New Checkon, presently occupied by Tribal Colony quarters.

This project was started to provide the needed accommodations to Government employees.

Chief Secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar and DGP P Doungel, were also present at the press conference.