Although having recently moved out of the State due to prevailing security situation, I still have nostalgic memories of Manipur. I feel the pulls on my heart's strings whenever I hear or read of events in Manipur.

I firmly believe that one needs to remain in touch with his roots, for this is your 'Earth Mother'. I am an avid reader of the various newspapers of Manipur.

This keeps me in touch with the realities in the State while I am physically not present there. The daily dose of abductions, killings and other activities reported in the papers has desensitized my brain.

I am also very sad and unhappy of the increasing drug and alcohol abuse that has crept into our proud society. This malaise, more than anything else will be the undoing and destruction of our society.

A large number of the youth today take drugs which have become increasingly available in Manipur. The easiest and most available is Ganja which grows abundantly in the State.

I am therefore a bit confused on the repeated allegations and counter between Assam Rifles and the Police regarding the seizure and burning of 8 tons of ganja by the Assam Rifles in August 2005.

What is the big deal? If the Assam Rifles have burnt the consignment as they have stated in their reply, I would say- well done and keep at it.

A job well done, as any sane man would say. They have done a wonderful service to the youth of Manipur and also prevented it falling into the wrong hands.

Then why are the police alleging malafide intentions? Ganja or any drug substances is a social evil and requires rooting out.

If I recollect correctly, it is the Assam Rifles only which regularly seize ganja, illicit liquor and smuggled timber. Where are the other state and central agencies whose job this is?

The police and the narcotic control bureau are conspicuous by their absence and rarely catch any contraband. The reasons are obvious. They are scared.

Therefore when someone else is doing the dirty work, rather than being thankful, why try to do them down by allegations and talk rules and procedures.

One suspects that this diatribe spewing venom against a particular agency is a reaction by the police and the narcotic bureau to cover up their own inefficiency and frustration. One also suspects that vested interests and hidden agendas are behind this tirade.

Of course, it does not take a genius to figure out that ganja revenue is used by various UG groups to fill up their coffers. So the Rs. 2 crores worth ganja going up in flames has deeply hurt these groups and also those who are in cahoots with them.

It would certainly be illuminating if the common man could know for instance, how much Ganja, illicit liquor and timber has the state police or the NCB caught this year.

Everyone knows how this contraband travels to Dimapur and beyond by the NH 39 or the subsidiary roads from Ukhrul. Why then may I ask, does the police not stop this illegal trade?

Why does the narcotics control bureau not come to the hills and destroy the cultivations? The Assam Rifles seized a huge consignment and burnt it publicly.

That's what is required. The Mafia needs a body blow and we must applaud those who have taken it upon themselves to deliver that punch.

While on the same news I would also give a word of advice to the Assam Rifles- please keep your dealing in the straight and honest.

Despite my reservations on the ways and the methods adopted by you to curb insurgency in the State.

I still have more faith in you than the Police or any other government agency.