Ministers, cops must be sincere, says MLA
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 03 2021: Even as the Government is waging a war on drugs, some of the Ministers, MLAs and police officers seem to be "very close" to drug lords and kingpins, claimed BJP MLA and Deputy Chair-man of State Planning Board Lourembam Rame-shwor today.

He was speaking as the chief guest of a function held at Paradise Academy under the theme "Youths for Future" organised by the Interna- tional Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA), Kangleipak when he made the comment.

Talking about the impact of drug abuse on children and youth, Rameshwor said the State Government is waging a war on drugs and under the campaign, huge quantities of drugs and a number of persons have been seized/arrested.

When all these efforts are in place, "some" Ministers, MLAs and police officers must be sincere in their efforts for the campaign against drugs to succeed, he said.

"Most of the drug lords or kingpins seem to be very close to some MLAs and Ministers as the politicians (Ministers/MLAs) seem to be backing them.

Moreover, there is suspected involvement of some police officers in the illegal drug trade.

This was informed to me by a very concerned police personnel who is very close to me," Rameshwor said.

Talking about association of politicians with the drug lords, Rameshwor said he made this public because he could no longer tolerate it.

"Naming the MLAs, Ministers would cause enmity but I am expressing this as I can no longer tolerate the nexus.

If we must overcome the problems of drugs, these politicians and some of the police personnel under the Home Department need to be sincere.

If they are sincere in their efforts, then the problems of drugs can be curbed sooner," Rameshwor said.

Further talking about the presence of Assam Rifles along Imphal-Moreh road, he said this is high time for the civil society organisations to voice against the AR causing inconvenience and troubles to commuters along the highway.

He was also delayed for some time by the AR when he visited Kondong Lairembi recently.

When his convoy was allowed to pass the checkpoint, many of the private and passenger vehicles were delayed for hours, he said.

"This restriction in free movement evokes a serious question if we are really free or not".

One time, he saw trucks passing the AR checkpoint with timbers, he said.

"When the Forest and AR personnel seized wooden planks transported by ordinary people for construction of their houses and other usage, truckloads of timber were allowed to pass the checkpoints without detention," he said.

He also lauded IPSA for organising the event and encouraging students and youths.

Solar study lamps were distributed to 94 students of Paradise Academy and 83 students of Premier English Academy Kyamgei.

IPSA president Joychandra Konthoujam said the solar lamps were procured from MANIREDA at a subsidized rate.

The cost of the lamps was borne by Thongju Part-II social worker Nameirakpam Cheengkhei.

Paradise Academy Principal Khoirom Ibohal and social worker N Cheengkhei also attended the event.

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