Ukhrul: The youth volunteers of Yangreiram Youth Union (YYU), Phungcham Katamnao Mayar Ngala Long (PKMNL), Paorei Youth Organisation (PYO), and Varangalai Youth Organisation (VYO) destroyed 51 poppy fields at various locations within the jurisdiction of Phungcham village, Ukhrul District, Manipur.
The 5-day drive against poppy cultivation began on January 29, 2024, and wounded up on February 2, 2024. Divided into various groups, the volunteers managed to destroy 51 poppy fields within the jurisdiction of Phungcham village.
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Phungcham village is situated about 28 kilometers from Ukhrul Headquarters, with approximately 877 households, including the two hamlets of Phungcham, Paorei, and Varangalai.
Phungcham Paorei Varangalai Conservation and Preservation of Forest (PPVCPF), in collaboration with Phungcham Paorei Varangalai National Workers Forum (PPVNWF), organized a seminar/workshop for the eradication of poppy cultivation at Phungcham on May 1, 2023.
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The participants in the seminar resolved to eradicate poppy cultivation and recommended the same to the Phungcham Paorei Varangalai Mashunrum Centre Court (PPVMCC) for a necessary resolution at the village level. Consequently, PPVMCC called an Emergency Public Assembly on May 22, 2023, and through Resolution No. 1, decided to prohibit the cultivation of poppy within the jurisdiction of Phungcham village.
Accordingly, destruction of poppy cultivation was carried out at Phungcham led by Convenor, Action Committee of PPVNWF, and the youth volunteers and destroyed 51 poppy fields in various locations of Phungcham.
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It is worth mentioning that on September 14, 2023, the District Administration of Ukhrul, in collaboration with CSOs, Churches, and NGOs operating in Ukhrul District, organized a one-day seminar on the War on Drugs at UBC Jubilee Hall, Ukhrul. Out of 98 revenue villages under Ukhrul District, around 65 villages attended the seminar and took a solemn pledge against illegal poppy cultivation and to contribute and give their best effort to create a drug-free community.
The members present took a pledge: “We solemnly pledge to work for the complete eradication of illegal poppy cultivation and other illicit drug business in any area of our jurisdiction. We will support and contribute our best efforts to create a drug-free community. We pledge that we will keep ourselves, our family, and our loved ones from the influence of drugs for a safe and healthy society.”
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On November 29, 2023, the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim, Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR), had also issued a strict warning against poppy cultivation in the Wung Tangkhul region, stating that “cultivation/plantation of poppy is strictly banned/prohibited in the Wung Tangkhul Region with immediate effect. Non-compliance of the order shall be treated as willful defiance, which will result in stern action as deemed fit.”
Convenor, Action Committee of PPVNWF, informed that “the poppy destruction drive has been taken up following all the resolutions taken at different platforms.”
With the destruction of 51 poppy fields, poppy cultivation has been completely stopped in Phungcham for now. The villagers are hopeful that this trend will continue.
