Will file a complaint against MLA K Meghachandra – CM

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by SPN Editor

Chief Minister N Biren said that a complaint will be lodged with the Manipur Legislative Assembly against MLA K Meghachandra who is also the President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), who allegedly hampered police duty by threatening the SP Kakching and holding a press conference there without due permission in connection with the seizure of drugs from five police commando personnel.

SP Kakching has reported to the government that MLA K Meghachandra hampered his duty and even conducted a press conference at the former’s office without permission by way of threatening. The matter will be brought up in the Assembly.

The legislature will be held responsible if the drug smuggling case involving police personnel fails, the Chief Minister said.

Addressing reporters at Thambal Shanglen here on Thursday, Chief Minister Biren while re-affirming the government’s commitment to eradicate poppy cultivation and drugs from the State said that his government won’t spare anybody, be it police, friends, relatives, mother or son if found involved in drug smuggling.

He said that poppy plantation or deforestation, come what may, the government won’t compromise. He said that the clarion call made to stop poppy plantation and deforestation is not in the interest of the BJP only.

Large hill tracks have been denuded due to massive poppy plantations. It seems somebodies are deliberately carrying out poppy plantations and as such the State Government is also
deliberately taking action against them, he said.

The Chief Minister pointed out that fertilizer and salts used in poppy plantations have severely destabilized soil leading to frequent landslides in hill areas. Imphal River, Nambul River, and Thoubal River have dried up due to deforestation in catchment areas on the hill.

Everyone seems to be silent on such issues, except for finding the fault in others. But one MLA came to the office of SP Kakching when drugs were seized from the police by the police. He said that no nearby MLA came when drug factories were busted at Wangjing and Thoubal.

The recent seizure of drugs from the commando personnel is not the first case of police involvement in drug smuggling. The issue of poppy plantations is not new. It started from 2004-2005. Had the previous government taken action against drug smuggling and poppy plantation on time, the state would not have landed in such a horrible situation, the Chief Minister continued.

Biren said that the drug issue should not be made a blame game as it is a question of the survival of the future generation. War on Drugs should be for everyone and nobody should play politics on the issue, he added.
He conveyed that the poppy plantation has severely affected three-four specific areas of the State – Saikul, the Western hill track of Koubru, the eastern hill track of Thangjing, some areas of Sajik Tampak, and some parts of Kamjong district.

Out of the 60 drones supposed to be procured for Agricultural purposes, the State Government has procured three drones for spraying herbicide to kill the Poppy plants. The herbicide used in killing poppy plants was procured after due consultation with the scientists of CAU and ICAR. TV panelists should refrain from making negative comments on it without proper knowledge of it, he added.

So far, poppy plantations on 96 acres in Churachandpur, and 70 acres in Saikul have been destroyed by Herbicide Spraying Drones. Drones will be used in the rainy season for sowing tree seeds in poppy-destructed areas, divulged the Chief Minister.

With regard to the G-20 summit, the Chief Minister said that with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Chairman, India is hosting the G-20 summit for the first time. As a part of the summit, Manipur is hosting Business Summit on February 17 and 18 at City Convention Centre where many businessmen and investors from India and other countries will attend.

He said that the State Government is making arrangements to make the visiting businessmen and investors aware of the beauty of Manipur’s Loktak Lake, Ibudhou Marjing Statue, INA Moirang, Govindaji Temple, Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang and Olympian Park.

It will be quite beneficial for the State if we can showcase the potential and resources of the State to them, he added.

The Chief Minister appealed to the people to warmly welcome the visiting businessmen and refrain from any activities that may create disturbance and issues during the summit in Imphal.