Asem Bhakta, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal : (Waari Singbul Network) Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh reaffirmed that the War on Drugs and eviction drives from reserved forests, initiated by the BJP government, are not directed at any specific community. Speaking on Monday at the golden jubilee of the All Manipur Working Journalists Union held at Manipur Press Club, Singh emphasized the inclusive nature of these actions, responding to criticisms that they disproportionately affect certain groups.
Recalling his time as a journalist, Singh highlighted the severe drug problem in Manipur, which once ranked the state among the highest in HIV infections. “One of the reasons I launched the War on Drugs after becoming Chief Minister was the devastating impact drugs have on generations,” he said, adding that the policy is aimed at saving lives, not targeting any community.
Singh noted that over the past six years, drugs worth ₹60,000 crores have been seized, and 18,000 hectares of illegal poppy cultivation have been destroyed. “It is natural that those affected by our policies would be frustrated,” Singh acknowledged, but reiterated that these actions were essential for the state’s long-term well-being.
Addressing the ongoing eviction drives from reserved forests, Singh stressed that the government’s actions were consistent across both hill and valley regions. “Evictions were carried out even in my constituency of Heingang and Waithou in Thoubal district for encroachment. These moves were aimed at protecting reserved forests, not at targeting any particular community,” Singh said.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusivity, he said, “Manipur belongs to all the 34 recognized tribes. Everyone should see themselves as both Indians and Manipuris.”
Singh also urged for more constructive discourse, particularly in the media, on how to restore peace in the state. “We need to unite during this difficult time and focus on discussions that help bring about peace. The root causes of the current issues are evident,” he added.
The Chief Minister also addressed the role of social media, urging YouTubers to refrain from broadcasting live protest sites, which could incite further unrest.
Responding to media questions regarding the arrest of a Myanmar national, suspected to be a cadre of Kuki National Army (Burma faction) by Assam Rifles near the jungle , 3 km metres into the Indian territory along the international border, while conducting reconnaissance for transport arm and ammunition consignment from Moreh to Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, Singh reiterated his long-held stance that external forces are playing a role in Manipur’s current unrest. “The crisis in Manipur has foreign involvement, as I’ve been saying from the beginning. Some believe it, some don’t, but time will reveal the truth,” he said, praising the Assam Rifles for apprehending the Myanmar national. The case, according to Singh, will be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for further inquiry.
In an emotional moment, Singh reflected on his career as a journalist and expressed his hopes for the press, wishing success to his former colleagues and emphasizing the need for peace in the state.
