Saikul villages join the war on drugs

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by SPN Editor

A delegation consisting of Saikul villages Chiefs of Saikul Assembly Constituency (AC) led by MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing submitted a resolution to Chief Minister N Biren expressing their support for the Government’s War on Drugs Campaign.

The resolution signed by Chiefs of 50 villages stated that they had deliberated at length about poppy cultivation and resolved to put an immediate hold on poppy cultivation in Saikul AC. They also resolved to approach the Government of Manipur to arrange alternative means of livelihood. The resolution further stated that any individuals or groups who defied the resolution should, at their own risk, face any legal action taken by the concerned authority.

Addressing the media, Chief Minister N Biren stated that many communities had come up one after another in support of the State Government’s War on Drugs Campaign considering the ill effects of poppy cultivation on the environment and future generations of the State.

He expressed appreciation to the Village Chiefs of Saikul AC for being the first among the Kuki community to boldly declare their stand against poppy cultivation. He also informed that Kuki brethren residing in other areas of the State had contacted him about their support for the movement against the drug menace.

Chief Minister assured that arrangements for alternative livelihood would be taken up soon after consulting the Horticulture and Tribal Affairs and Hills Department to provide all necessary support. Acting on a memorandum submitted by the delegation, Biren assured to set up a Veterinary Hospital soon at Saikul AC and also to construct a Mini-stadium within the Assembly Constituency. He further expressed that he would look into what could be done on other matters mentioned in the memorandum.

He further appealed to all communities residing in valley areas to voluntarily come out and support the movement against the drug menace, to eradicate it from the State totally. He also warned that any Government officials who are found involved in drugs-related illegal activities will be terminated from their service and will be put behind bars.

Tribal Affairs and Hills Minister Letpao Haokip expressed his appreciation to the delegation team of Saikul AC for their support of the Government’s War on Drugs Campaign and their resolution to immediately hold on poppy cultivation in the AC. He assured to provide every possible support for alternative livelihood from the Government side. He appealed to the people of other areas to support the movement stating that support from all sections of people was needed to save the State from the ill effects of drugs.

President of Kuki Inpi, Saikul Seimang Lupho, and other Village Chiefs also submitted the resolution among others.