Manipur: 33 communities pledge to wipe out poppy cultivation 

Manipur CM addressing the ‘All communities’ convention for a pledge against illegal poppy plantation’ event on February 25. (NNN Photo) 

Manipur CM addressing the ‘All communities’ convention for a pledge against illegal poppy plantation’ event on February 25. (NNN Photo) 

CM assures alternative livelihood to all poppy growers

Newmai News Network
Imphal | February 25

Representatives of 33 communities in Manipur state led by its Chief Minister, N Biren Singh today took a collective pledge to work together towards “complete destruction of illegal poppy cultivation and checking illicit drug businesses.”

The pledge was undertaken during the ‘All communities’ convention for a pledge against illegal poppy plantation’ event organized by Meitei Leepun in association with the apex bodies of the 33 communities under supervision of the CM at Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT). The pledge was administered by MBC Pastor, Rev Zuankanmang Daimei. 

It was held as a respond to the CM’s call to support the ‘War on Drugs’ campaign by taking part in destruction of poppy cultivations.

Speaking in the occasion, the CM said that 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. 

Maintaining that drugs and intoxicants had taken many lives, the CM said that there is need for a collective effort to uproot it. He assured that the Government would definitely give alternative livelihood to all the poppy growers. For this, the CM informed, required funds had 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 DCs concerned under different Government schemes, he added.

Stating that the present Government had taken up various developmental works in the hills, the CM said that there is no household in Kamjong headquarters which do not get tap water. Understanding people’s inconvenience, the Government had started providing tap water in Tamenglong and Churachandpur district headquarters as well, the CM said.

According to an official statement from the CM's Secretariat the following leaders and representatives took part in the pledge: Kharam tribe union (TU), Purum tribe, Koireng TU, Thadou Inpi, Manipuri Gorkha Association, Kom TU, Chiru TU, Thangal TU, Maram Union, Mao Council, Poumai TU, Zeme TU, Anal Tangpi, Lamkang Kaver Kupun, Monshang TU, Moyon TU, Aimol TU, Tarao TU, Hmar Inpi, Paite People Council, Simte TU, Zou TU, Mizo People Convention, Vaiphei People Council, Gangte TU, Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long, Mate TU, Maring Uparup, Rongmei tribe body, Inpui tribe body, Liangmai tribe body and Chothe TU.