IMPHAL: The Manipur government will continue its fight against the drug menace in the state despite the ongoing challenges.
Chief Minster N Biren Singh, in a resolute address in Khouphum, a Naga-dominated hill district of Noney, reassured the people that his government’s crackdown on illegal drug activities will continue and its priority is to protect the people and their property in the face of the ongoing sectarian strife in the state.
“The government will continue to fight poppy plantations and illegal drug business. The government is there to safeguard the lives and properties of the people,” he told the gathering at the public event on Monday.
Expressing concerns over the unfortunate state of affairs in several regions, including Churachandpur, parts of Tengnoupal, Imphal East, Imphal West, Kangpokpi, and Bishnupur districts, which continue to grapple with unrest, Singh called for unity among the indigenous tribes in the state.
“The indigenous communities of the state should continue to live as one,” he told the people of Khouphun, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various projects worth approximately Rs 196 crore.
Chief Minister Singh also highlighted the government’s efforts to support affected individuals by providing pre-fabricated homes, deploying security forces, reopening national highways, and restoring mobile internet services.
He further emphasized on the government’s “Go to Hills” programme, designed to bridge the gap between the hills and the valley, fostering unity and equitable development throughout the state. Acknowledging the natural beauty of the village, Chief Minister Singh also pledged to develop a tourist circuit and a mothers’ (Ima) market in the area.
The projects for which foundation stones were laid include the construction of a football stadium at Khoupum (NEC) under YAS, the rehabilitation and strengthening of Bishnupur-Nungba Road, and the construction of a water supply scheme and a guest house near Khongsang railway station, among others.
