IMPHAL, March 1: The United Club Manipur (UCM) has come out strongly against the drug trade in Manipur suggesting that the nefarious trade is being propagated by persons having close links with individuals in power. A press release from the body mentioned that that pseudo-ephedrine tablets are being smuggled into the state in different makes for further use of manufacturing different drugs at Myanmar.
It states that there is enough evidence to point out that those involved in the trade ranges from politicians, police officials, affluent business persons and even officers from the military as witnessed recently from the news publications of the seizures made recently. The statement alleges that the SIU which was playing a major role in curbing the import of drugs from outside was disbanded and the involved officers were transferred to other departments of the State Home Department.
It still remains to be seen what action will be taken up by the State authorities, mainly to the police officer involved in seizure of the drug consignment transported by the PRO of the Army. The PRO claiming that he has nothing to do with the consignment of drugs is an absurd statement and is a last means to save his own skin. It is known by the public that he is one of the main player in the transportation of the banned drug into Myanmar, it may be for his own personal financial gain and the concerned authorities need to dissect the matter and punish the other culprits involved, it said.
It further mentioned that the armed forces are playing a game with the public of the State, in one way there are enforcing AFSPA by ignoring the recommendations of the Jeevan Reddy commission while meanwhile propagating the drug trade, it said.
Though the stance of the State authorities announcing that those involved in the drug trade will not be spared is laudable, but it is still evident that the drug trade is being supported by those in power, the statement said. The home minister statement feigning ignorance of the disbanding of the SIU and the state DGP’s recent announcement of taking action in the regard on January 28 just points to the conclusion that they are acting on the pressure of the moment and not concerned in eradicating the drug trade, the statement concluded.