IMPHAL, April 16 (EMN): In a move to wean away poppy cultivation, the government is planning to provide viable alternate source of livelihood to the people involved in poppy cultivation in Manipur.
Towards this end, the state government has agreed in principle to replace poppy with lemongrass cultivation, Irrigation and Flood Control department and Youth affairs and Sports Minister Letpao Haokip said while motivating people involved in such type of cultivation to switch over to lemongrass cultivation for a sustainable livelihood.
Letpao was addressing a felicitation gathering organised by villagers, Church leaders and chiefs at Aihang village, Chandel district on Saturday.
Considering the adverse environmental impact caused by poppy cultivation -- - like clearance of large forest areas which led to soil erosion,the Government is determined to provide alternative livelihood to poppy cultivators, he said and invitated the chiefs and leaders of the area to attend an awareness and sensitisation programme in this regard to be held shortly in Imphal.
Minister also made an announcement that a mini-stadium would be constructed at Aihang village soon at a cost of Rs 50 crore under None Lapsable Central Pool of Resources. He also inspected the site for the mini-stadium prior to the felicitation function.
He also announced slews of development schemes to be implemented in the area, particularly for the welfare of widows and women.Urging the people to be sincere in all their endeavours, he exhorted all concerned to extend maximum cooperation to the development initiatives of the Government.Village chiefs, Church and social leaders from different villages of Chandel district attended the function.
Meditation for advocates: A two day Mediation Skills Training Programme for Advocates was organised by the High Court of Manipur, Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA), Manipur Judicial Academy in association with The Kapila & Nirmal Hingorani Foundation, New Delhi at the Auditorium, High Court of Manipur from April 15 and 16.
The Judge of High Court of Manipur Justice N Kotiswar Singh who is also the Executive Chairman of MASLSA, Supreme Court of India Advocate Dr Aman Hingorani and Lecturer Ms Astha Mehta spoke during the day’s training programme as resource persons.
Advocates from High Court Bar Association of Manipur, All Manipur Bar Association and Panel Advocates of Manipur State Legal Services Authority attended the programme, according to Officer on Special Duty N Lanleima of MASLSA.
