Manipur CM pledges action against poppy growers
Imphal, Nov 24: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Sunday said action will be taken against poppy planters and their accomplices following an ultimatum by a Naga village authority.
Singh's assurance came after a police team, led by an additional SP, and village volunteers were allegedly targeted by armed planters when they attempted to destroy poppy cultivation in Kangpokpi district recently.
In a post on X, Singh said, "I appreciate the Makhan Village Authority for taking a strong stand against poppy cultivation in their villages. Let me assure you that central security forces and state police are always on standby, ready to take necessary action against poppy cultivation and its accomplices."
He also urged everyone to "come forward and join this movement to eliminate drugs from Manipur."
On Saturday, the Makhan Village Authority issued an ultimatum to the Manipur government, demanding action within four days against poppy planters in Kangpokpi district.
In a statement, the village authority said on November 20, volunteers and a police team were confronted by armed men while attempting to destroy poppy cultivation in the hill areas of the district.
"Wielding guns and weapons, the poppy planters attacked the volunteers and the police team and damaged the equipment brought to cut poppy plants, thereby incapacitating the mission," the statement added.
The village authority also criticised the police team, accusing them of "literally running away from the poppy planters," calling the act "a complete mockery of their arms and uniform."
Meanwhile, police said "they are investigating the incident and will provide information when the report is clear.
I appreciate the Makhan (Makhen) Village Authority for taking a strong stand against poppy cultivation in their villages. Let me assure you, agencies such as the NCB, NAB, central security forces and state police are always on standby, ready to take all necessary actions against… https://t.co/pehGaWFssp
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) November 23, 2024
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Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
