Drug dealers in Manipur, particularly in Kshetrigao, will not be spared, MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan said on Saturday. Drug trafficking will be dealt with an iron hand, and support will be given to those who want to switch to alternative means of livelihood, he said.
Hassan sought support from the people in making Manipur a drug-free state, while speaking at a reception organised in his honour by Mapugi Achikpa Thang-Ta Leikol and villagers of Wakha, Imphal East at the village.
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As a part of the crackdown on drug dealers, Hassan said that ever since his becoming a representative of the people, he had given drug dealers three months' time to give up the business and to earn their living through a righteous path.
"The future generations will suffer if a strong foundation for development is not laid," he said, adding that systematic correction even if time consuming is needed to facilitate development.
“Process has been started and the results will definitely be witnessed in the long run if not within one or two years,” he added.
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Hassan said steps have been initiated to set up an apparel factory in the assembly constituency. At least 300-500 people will be imparted training both in and outside the state by tying up with a reputed company, he said, adding that the people need to be skilled first.
Dismissing the worries of the Wakha villagers, Hassan vowed to propose and mount pressure on authorities concerned not to affect the village when construction of Manipur University of Culture begins.
As part of the programme, attendees observed a two-minute silence to pay homage to those who succumbed to COVID-19. Later, the MLA along with officials of Mapugi Achikpa Thang-Ta Leikol and villagers planted saplings at Wakha.
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