Northeast Desk, 1st September: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has reaffirmed his commitment to combating the escalating drug crisis in Manipur, warning that the state is at risk of becoming a major hub for poppy production and trafficking. Emphasizing the state’s vulnerability due to its proximity to the notorious Golden Triangle—dubbed the “Dead Triangle” by Singh—he highlighted the urgent need to tackle the issue head-on.
In a statement on X, the Chief Minister underscored the grave impact of the drug menace, revealing that approximately 1.5 lakh youths in Manipur are already affected by substance abuse. Singh stressed the critical importance of winning the battle against drugs to protect the future of the state’s young generation.
“I have a responsibility to protect our country from the scourge of drugs,” Singh posted. “With about 1.5 lakh youths affected by drugs in Manipur alone, this battle is more urgent than ever. Illegal immigrants from Myanmar are not only crossing into India unlawfully but are also contributing to the destruction of our youth.”
Singh highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts under the “War on Drugs Mission,” launched in November 2018 by the BJP-led coalition government. Since the mission’s inception, authorities have seized illicit narcotics valued at over Rs 60,000 crore and eradicated 16,161 acres of poppy cultivation. To date, 2,351 cases have been registered, and more than 18,000 kilograms of drugs have been confiscated.
The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah for their unwavering support in the anti-drug campaign, noting that the BJP 2.0 initiative has garnered widespread backing from various sections of society.
In a call to action, Singh urged the nation to join him in this crucial battle to safeguard the future, stating, “I urge the nation to wake up and join me in this critical battle to safeguard our future.”