CM Biren Singh testimony reduction in poppy cultivation

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that poppy cultivation in the state has seen a significant decline following the state government’s ‘war on drugs’ campaign.

CM Biren Singh was addressing the 42nd foundation day function of evening daily Kangleipakki Meira held at Pillow Library Ground, Mongshangei Mayai Leikai in Imphal on Monday.
The Chief Minister said that poppy plantations have been destroyed on a large scale under the ‘War on Drugs’ campaign. I appeal to all concerned authorities to take the cases related to illegal drugs seriously.

N. Biren Singh said that the state government also aims to make Manipur corruption-free and sought the public’s cooperation in achieving it.

Strict and immediate action will be initiated against those involved in corruption. The government always stands against anti-national, anti-state and anti-social elements.
The Chief Minister said, “The mentality of people, who used to plant poppy earlier, has changed. The land area where poppy was grown on a large scale has now reduced from 7,600 acres to 1,100 acres.

He added that alternative crops for planting have been provided to the poppy growers to earn a living.
He also asked the civil society organizations in the state to visit the hilly areas and interact with poppy farmers to make them aware of the harmful effects of poppy cultivation.

He further said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah would reward those villages which had planted alternative plantations in place of poppy plantations during his visit to the state this month.

He said that the state government is making all possible efforts to bring an orderly change in the state.
He also gave credit for the support and cooperation of the people of the state for the development works in the state.
During the program, the Chief Minister also presented the Kangleipakki Meira Award 2023 to the journalists. The Best Female Journalist award was given to Phurailatpam Keni Devi. The Best Male Journalist (Print) award went to Thongam Premchand Singh, Senior Reporter, Pokanapham. Best Male Journalist (Electronics) Urikhinbam Indra Singh, Reporter, ISTV; Best Hawker (Kangleipakki Meira) to Wahengbam Inaocha Singh and Best Male Commendable I.P.R. Award to Sorokhaibam Prasenjit Singh.
The Chief Minister also presented lifetime achievement awards to senior journalists and other eminent personalities.