Imphal, April 19,
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh today lauded the effort of the Assam Rifles trooper in their role against government mission – “War Against Drugs”.
Under the supervision of the Col. Sachin Jain, Sena Medal, commanding officer of the 29 Assam Rifles post at Joupi area, poppy plantation in about 300 acres of land have been destroyed after the state government started massive destruction of poppy plantation in the state. Col. Sachin, while informing the Chief Minister said that villagers of Joupi and Dingpi area have agreed to replace the poppy plantation by lemon plants.
“We are targeting lemongrass plantation in 250 acres of land out the 300 acres of land used for poppy plantation”, Col Sachin said.
School children from the area – Joupi and Dingpi in Chandel district, along with some village chiefs were also present during the meeting. They were on a tour to the State Capital under the initiative of Col. Sachin Jain, Commandant of 42 Assam Rifles, whose Unit is currently deployed at this interior Indo-Myanmar border.
A Social worker from the Dingpi area said that poppy plantation was started since 1990.
Villagers also informed the Chief Minister about the problem of the village like unavailability of water and dilapidated road conditions.
After listening the grievances of the villagers as well as the effort being taken up by the Assam Rifles, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said that the state government will provide all possible assistance in the rehabilitation of the poppy farmers of Dingpi and Joupi area in Chandel district.
He further appealed the AR Commandant to go ahead on the drive against drug even beyond his jurisdiction.
Chief Minister however, felt sorry on the condition of the school education on the area. He assured to look into it .
“Our Government slogan “Go to Village” which is launching on May is one way to look into the problem faced by the villagers of the state”, he said.
Villagers are appealed to put up their demands of any needs for development of the villagers during the mission Go to Village as all officers starting from Deputy Commissioner will take stock of the needs of the villagers. Biren said all those needed will be taken up on priority basis to improve the condition of the villagers.