The Chin State Police Department has been destroying poppy fields in Tunzang Township, northern Chin State and from the first week in December till 7th January they destroyed 566.81 acres of poppy.
Hakha District Police Lt. Col. Maung Maung Myint, Falam District Police Lt. Col. Hla Than and State Police Maj. Nay Phyo led three police columns that destroyed poppy fields in Tunzang Township on 10th December according to the Chinland Post News.
A Tiddim resident said that though the Chin State Police Department’s commitment to destroying poppy fields should be welcomed they should also create alternative jobs for local residents such as crop substitution projects.
He said: “By destroying the poppy fields they are destroying the residents main livelihood and I am sure that now they will find it hard to make a living. That is why, if the Chin State government is going to destroy poppy fields like this, they should carry out studies and plan other projects to support residents livelihoods, such as growing alternative crops.”
People have been growing poppy in Tunzang Township since 2004 and now there are over a thousand acres of poppy being cultivated. Many residents grow poppy because it provides them with a good income.
Translated by Aung Myat Soe English version written by Mark Inkey for BNI
