Imphal: People representing 33 communities of Manipur took a collective pledge to fight against illegal Poppy plantation in the state in presence of chief minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday.
“History is created today! One Manipur against illegal drugs!” All communities and tribes in the state come together as one in the fight against drugs and poppy plantations in the state,” Biren said. “No to Poppy Cultivation! No to Illicit Drugs! Save Future Generations,” he wrote on his Facebook wall in connection with the convention.
The gathering took place at a people convention “All Communities Convention for a Pledge against Illegal Poppy Planation” organised by Meitei Leepun at Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre, here.
Saying that drugs have killed many youth in the state, the chief minister said, “All those family depend their livelihood on poppy plantation will be given alternative means of livelihood. They and those involve in ferrying drugs will be identified one by one through community leaders to provide alternative source of living.”
Government has created schemes to habilitate the poppy planters. Centre has permitted the state government to take up steps to totally replace poppy, he said.
Poppy plantation does not only relate to drug issue it devastates forest and hence arises water scarcity issues, he added.
Biren urged Meitei Leepun to work together with the communities to chalk out suitable alternative means of livelihood for the poppy planters. He appealed to speed up the identification works.
He also appealed the concerned deputy commissioners to identify the weaker families involving in drug trade to give priority to aid for their livelihood and shelter.
People in the state should be developed equally and live together. The government with the people has brought peace and equality in the state. All must work for one Manipur, he added. He appealed all to work together to totally eradicate drug in the state.
Biren said he will convey the pledge taken against Poppy plantation by various community during his meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
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