33 communities pledge to end poppy cultivation
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, February 01 2021: Giving a significant boost to the State's fight against drugs, 33 communities have pledged to end poppy plantations in the State today.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh led the leaders and representatives of 33 different communities in taking a collective pledge to work together towards complete destruction of illegal poppy cultivation and checking illicit drug businesses.

The event held under the banner 'All Communities Convention for a Pledge Against Illegal Poppy Plantation' was organized at Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre by Meitei Leepun in association with the apex bodies of the 33 communities under the supervision of the Chief Minister.

The convention was held after people responded to the Chief Minister's call to extend support and co-operation to the State's war on drugs campaign.

33 communities pledge to end poppy cultivation

Leaders and representatives of Kharam Tribe Union, Purum Tribe Union, Koireng Tribe Union, Thadou Inpi, Manipuri Gorkha Association, Kom Tribe Union, Chiru Tribe Union, Thangal Tribe Union, Maram Union, Mao Council, Poumai Tribe Union, Zemei Tribe Union, Anal Tangpi, Lamkang Kaver Kupun, Monshang Tribe Union, Moyon Tribe Union, Aimol Tribe Union, Tarao Tribe Union, Hmar Inpi, Paite People Council, Simte Tribe Union, Zou Tribe Union, Mizo People Convention, Vaiphei People Council, Gangte Tribe Union, Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long, Mate Tribe Union, Maring Uparup, Zeme Tribe Union, Rongmei Tribe Union, Inpui Tribe Union, Liangmai Tribe Union and Chothe Tribe Union took the pledge.

The pledge that was administered to the gathering by MBC Pastor Rev Zuankanmang Daimei read "Onwards from this day, the 25th of February 2021, in the presence of Almighty God and our beloved and visionary leader Shri N Biren Singh, our Hon'ble Chief Minister, we solemnly pledge that we will support and contribute our best efforts to transform the war on drugs to a people's war.

We further pledge we shall work for completely eradicating illegal poppy cultivation and other illicit drug businesses in any areas of our jurisdiction by any person from within or outside" .

Some of the representatives of the communities left their villages on February 23 to reach Imphal today to take part in the convention.

Volunteers of Royal Riders Manipur received the participants at different locations.

Those who came from Senapati and Kangpokpi were received at Sekmai, Tamenglong and Noney at Khuman Lampak, Chandel and Tengnoupal at Thoubal, Ukhrul at Lamlai, Churachandpur and Pherzawl at Nambol Chingmang.

They were escorted up to BOAT by RRM volunteers.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister N Biren said he was moved by the people's overwhelming response to his appeal for a collective fight against drugs and poppy plantation.

He said that the convention was a historic event and it would be remembered forever.

When he was elected to the Manipur Legislative Assembly for the first time in 2002, the Chief Minister said, he moved a Private Member Resolution to forgive and forget the past mistakes and live together harmoniously.

After he became Chief Minister, N Biren said the Go to Hills Mission to bring equal opportunities and development was his first slogan.

Maintaining that drugs and intoxicants have taken many lives, the Chief Minister said that there is need for a collective effort to uproot it.

Assuring that the Government would "definitely" give alternative livelihood to all the poppy growers, he informed that the required funds for this has been earmarked in the Budget and additional assistance would also be sought from the Centre.

"Needy poppy growers would be identified in consultation with the village chiefs to provide assistance through the Deputy Commissioners concerned under different Government schemes," he added.

Stating that the present Government has taken up various developmental works in the hills, the Chief Minister claimed there is no household in Kamjong headquarters which has no access to tap water.

Understanding people's inconvenience, the Government had started providing tap water in Tamenglong and Churachandpur district headquarters as well, he added.

Thangal Union president Kaping YK, Mizo People Convention general secretary L Paul, Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long president Hopingson Shimray and Joint Tribes Zeliangrong president Kenan Kamei also spoke at the convention.

They vowed to extend full cooperation to the Government's 'war on drugs' campaign.

The Chief Minister also had a candid interaction with the community leaders after the convention.