State observes Sadbhavana Diwas CM reiterates anti-drug drive stand

Imphal, Aug 20 (DIPR)
As in other parts of the country, the State today observed Sadbhavana Diwas, the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The State level function was held at 1st MR Banquet Hall with Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar Singh as the chief guest and functional president respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, N Biren expressed his Government’s strong commitment to carry on their campaign against drugs.
Observing that drugs and heroin have the potential of destroying the whole generation, the Chief Minister maintained that there is need for putting in concerted efforts to root out drug menace for the future of the State.
Biren also announced that the police team of Thoubal district, led by its SP Dr S Ibomcha, which recently busted a drug factory at Moijing and seized around 185 kg of heroin worth around Rs 166 crore in the international market, would be rewarded befittingly as done in earlier cases.
Stating that Imphal-Moreh highway is known to be a major route for drug trafficking, the Chief Minister also instructed DGP LM Khaute, who was present at the function, to lay an intelligence network in and around Moreh under a committed officer so that drug peddling from the border town to other parts of the State is checked effectively.
During his speech, the Chief Minister also expressed serious concern over increasing rate of casualty in road accidents. In this regard, he directed the officials concerned to issue an order making helmets mandatory for two-wheeler drivers at the earliest. On the other hand, he also asked the police to launch a drive to remove ‘tints’ from the window glasses of four-wheelers. He said that criminals can escape police eyes if they travel in the vehicles having tinted glasses.
The Chief Minister also instructed the officials concerned to speed up developmental works and implementation of welfare schemes.
Informing that there are around 20,000 pending applications for old-age pension scheme, the Chief Minister said that Rs 5 crore had been earmarked in the budget for them.
He instructed the officials of Social Welfare Department to enlist these applicants in the beneficiary list.
Regarding ‘School Fagathansi’ mission, the Chief Minister directed the officials concerned to complete necessary works like construction of required infrastructure, supply of furniture and equipment and posting of teachers within 45 days at least in some selected schools.
During his speech, the Chief Minister remembered late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s works towards bringing emotional oneness and harmony of all the people of India regardless of caste, region, religion or language.
Speaking at the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar said that Rajiv Gandhi had a firm belief that the country could not progress without harmony among people of different communities and religion. He always worked to uphold and promote unity in diversity, the Deputy Chief Minister said.
Later, the Chief Minister administered Sadbhavana pledge to the gathering. Ministers, MLAs, top civil and police officers and Government employees also attended the function.