Manipur CM bats for a corruption-free State

1. Biren Singh further expresses that the State Government always stands against anti-national, anti-State and anti-social elements

IMPHAL, Jan 2 (NNN): Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh said on Monday that his Government “aims to make the State corruption-free”, and sought the support of the people to achieve it.

The chief minister was addressing the gathering during the 42^nd Foundation Day celebration of the Kangleipakki Meira, an evening daily newspaper, held on Monday at Pillow Library Ground, Mongshangei Mayai Leikai.

1. Biren then warned that strict and immediate actions would be initiated against those who are involved in corrupt practices. He further expressed that the State Government always stands against anti-national, anti-State and anti-social elements, while adding that any such act would not be compromised. He also said that mass destruction of poppy plantations has been carried out under the ‘War on Drugs Campaign’, while urging all the concerned authorities to take up cases related to illegal drugs seriously.

The chief minister then expressed his satisfaction that the mindset of people, who had earlier carried out poppy plantations, has changed, adding that the area of land where mass plantation of poppy was carried out is now reduced to around 1,100 acres from 7,600 acres. Alternative crops for plantations were provided to the poppy planters for earning their livelihood, he added.

Biren Singh then asked the civil society organisations in Manipur to visit hill areas and to interact with poppy planters, making them aware of the harmful impacts of poppy cultivation.

The chief minister then informed that villages where poppy plantation had been substituted with alternative plantation will be rewarded by Union Home minister Amit Shah during his visit to the State this month. He maintained that the State Government has been putting in every effort to bring a systematic change in the State.

Expressing happiness on ‘certain constructive comments’ received from the people on various development works taken up in the State, he gave credit for all development to people’s support and cooperation. He also mentioned that certain circumstances arose where the Government had to take actions, considering the betterment of the State.