The New Light of
Myanmar
Monday, 6 August, 2001
PERSPECTIVES
Eradication of drug abuse
The danger of narcotic drugs abuse remains a serious issue
for all the global countries. It is a major threat to the entire mankind.
Myanmar, as one of the global nations, is paying serious attention to this issue
and making all-out efforts to do away with the drug menace. Narcotic drug is an
effective weapon of the colonialists in destroying human resources. Since 16th
century, Dutch and Roman merchants brought and distributed opium into Myanmar
via India.
It can be found in the history that in 1824, the
colonialists permitted licensed opium dens in Rakhine and Taninthayi regions. To
destroy ardent patriotism and national spirit of Myanmar people in order to
prolong the colonial rule, the colonialists utilized opium. Successive
governments have exerted their utmost efforts to wipe out the drug menace
totally from the country.
Operation Moe Hein phases 1 to 12, Operation Ngayepan
phases 1 to 8, Operation Taungyanshin phases 1 to 4 and other regional
operations named Melone, Hninpan, Paukpan, Taunghteikpan, HaemanU, etc were
launched from 1975 to 1988 by the people and the Tatmadaw sacrificing lives,
blood and sweat.
During the time of the Tatmadaw Government, the armed
groups at border areas returned to the legal fold and the national
reconsolidation has been achieved. Respective regions have thus achieved marked
development. With the leadership and assistance of the Government, efforts have
been made for development of border areas where poppy was grown in the past.
Opium substitute activities have been undertaken for eradication of narcotic
drugs.
At present, according to the guidance of Head of State
Senior General Than Shwe, the 15-year master plan for elimination of drug menace
from 1999 to 2014 is being implemented with might and main. Within a couple of
years, opium output has been reduced considerably as a result. In fact, the drug
problem in Myanmar is connected with peace and stability, national solidarity,
regional development and uplift of socio-economic lives of the local populace.
The Government and leaders of national races understand
this and border areas and national races development plans have thus
systematically been drawn up and are being implemented. Drug eradication and
regional development works are being carried out in parellel today. With or
without external assistance, Myanmar will implement the 15-year master plan for
total eradication of the drug menace.
