Manipur's Tribes join Govt Campaign on "War on Drugs"; Government to not tolerate further criminal and devastating situation in State: CM
HY News
14 May, 2022 01:07 pm IST
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Manipur's Tribes join Govt Campaign on "War on Drugs"; Government to not tolerate further criminal and devastating situation in State: CM
Day after the Joint Tribe Council (JTC) and Joint Tribe Students' Association representing the Inpui, Liangmai, Zeme, and Rongmei tribes of Manipur, announces a declaration to Chief Minister Biren Singh, consenting to aid the 'War On Drugs' Campaign on May 12 - Kuki community of Saikul also join hands to support the government's campaign against substances abuses today.
In a press conference held at CM, secretariate with MLA Smt Kimneo Hangshing, Village Chiefs of the Saikul assembly constituency declares the announcement to support any government moves on the "War on Drugs".
CM N. Biren said, "In view of the alarming situation regarding poppy plantations in different parts of Manipur, the delegation of the Kuki Chiefs of Saikul has declared to put an immediate hold on poppy cultivation in Saikul and resolved to support the War On Drugs campaign.
Also, deliberated on arranging alternative means of livelihood for the people who were engaging in poppy cultivation."
The earlier declaration of support by four tribes claims that the four indigenous tribes residing in Manipur have neither performed poppy cultivation nor solicited any illegal trade in drugs. The Joint Tribes Organisations have further committed to working on conserving the flora and fauna of the rich bio-diverse forests.
After CM Biren assumed office in 2018 and his 2nd term in 2022 he declared the 'War on Drugs' as his primary focus. As its part, he underscored the detrimental effects poppy cultivation (poppy makes heroin drug) has on the ecology in the form of degradation of soil quality, fertility of the land, polluting water bodies, and deforestation.
CM had also appealed to all those engaged in drug-related activities to cease so that Manipur's resources and energy can be utilized for positive growth.
The geographical location of Manipur is close to Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand which is considered the Golden Triangle of drug trade among South-East Asian countries- the impact of it is rampant in its benevolent state. Drugs have become a part of the Manipuri population's rituals and customs due to easy access and availability. Thus, many communities in Manipur have resisted letting go of using substances. 'Ganja' has been a part of their cultural practices for a long time, and it is also extensively used as medicine for childbirth.
Furthermore, the report described that approximately 3,716 acres of land used in illegal poppy farming as well as 5.51 acres of cannabis were destroyed during the 'War on Drugs'.
Despite several campaigns like the 'Nisha Thadoklasi' campaign on June 26, 2018, which observe the 'International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking- Manipur is still on the verge of sinking into drug cartels and abuse.
That campaign aims to make 80 schools a 'Drug-Free Campus' for which faculty and students will be properly trained, however, such policies were not fully implemented. The Government wants to fully concretize its 'Manipur State Drug Policy', which would eradicate the drug problem in the state. There are various civil society and non-governmental organizations actively working against drug use in the state fighting to combat the drug menace and alcohol abuse in the state.
As the torrential rains fall incessantly CM N. Biren on seeing the condition of the landslide and massive devastation of hills after the poppy plantation had warned that, the state government will not tolerate further criminal and devastating situations in the state. He said He is prepared for what may come and will save the generation from poppy planters, forest destroyers & drug smugglers. He urges the public to support the government in its war on drug drives
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