Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, Aug 18:
In a decisive move to combat the cultivation of illegal crops, the Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR) under the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) has issued a strict directive prohibiting the cultivation of poppy within its jurisdiction.
The directive, signed by Eno. Sirius Konghar, Secretary of the GPRN Office of the Central Administrative Officer, WTR highlights the urgency of the situation and warns of severe consequences for those who defy the order.
The directive clearly states, “This is to inform all concerned Village Authorities under Wung Tangkhul Region that the cultivation and plantation of poppy are strictly banned and prohibited.” This declaration leaves no room for ambiguity and firmly places the responsibility of enforcement on the village authorities. The document further mandates that any individual found violating this ban must be reported to the relevant office without delay.
The directive also outlines the grave repercussions for non-compliance. Any act of willful defiance will result in the imposition of heavy fines and imprisonment. In a bid to ensure swift compliance, the directive mandates that those found guilty of poppy cultivation will be required to destroy the plantations themselves, under the direct supervision of Wung Tangkhul Region officials. Furthermore, the defaulters will bear the full cost of the enforcement measures taken against them.
This zero-tolerance approach is a clear indication of WTR’s commitment to eradicating poppy cultivation within its territory. The directive’s reach extends beyond just the immediate offenders; it places a significant onus on the village authorities to monitor and report any illegal activities related to poppy cultivation. The message is unequivocal: any laxity or failure to comply with this directive will be met with stringent punitive action.
In addition to the local village authorities, the directive has been disseminated to various key military and civil organizations within the Wung Tangkhul Region. The order was copied to the Commander of the Phungtha Brigade and the Southern Command of the Naga Army, among others, ensuring that the directive is enforced at multiple levels of governance and security. This broad dissemination emphasizes the importance of the issue and ensures that all relevant parties are fully informed and involved in the enforcement process.
The directive also reflects the broader strategy of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim in maintaining order and curbing illegal activities within its controlled areas. Poppy cultivation, which has been a persistent issue in various parts of the region, not only undermines legal governance but also poses significant social and health risks. By taking a firm stand against it, WTR is reinforcing its authority and its commitment to the well-being of the people within its jurisdiction.
The involvement of key bodies such as the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long, Tangkhul Naga Longphang, and various other community organizations highlights the collaborative effort being encouraged by the directive. These organizations, which play a crucial role in the social and cultural fabric of the Tangkhul community, are expected to support the enforcement of the directive and ensure that their constituencies comply with the ban.
