Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati

Guwahati, Nov 16: In a major crackdown on illegal narcotics cultivation, security forces in Manipur have destroyed poppy plantations spread across more than 470 acres in coordinated operations carried out over the past several days in Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts.

On Saturday, a joint team comprising state police, Assam Rifles and CRPF uprooted poppy fields covering nearly 20 acres at Loibol Khullen village under New Keithelmanbi police station in Kangpokpi. Two sacks of salt found at the site were seized, while spray pumps, herbicides, pipes and other cultivation tools were destroyed on the spot.

According to a statement issued by the defence ministry, the operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs on illicit poppy cultivation in the area. “Despite difficult terrain and adverse weather, the teams continued their efforts to curb narcotics cultivation and dismantle financial networks that fuel insurgency and anti-national activities,” it stated.

The ministry added that such actions reaffirm the Assam Rifles’ commitment to promoting a drug-free Northeast and ensuring long-term peace and socio-economic stability in the region.

In another simultaneous operation in the Kotlen hill ranges of Kangpokpi, security forces destroyed around 20 acres of poppy cultivation. Five makeshift huts were torched, and fertiliser bags, herbicides and salt packets were also disposed of.

Elsewhere, extensive destruction of poppy fields was carried out in the Somdal, Lamlai Chingfei and Litan hill ranges of Ukhrul district between November 11 and 15. Police said roughly 436 acres of illicit plantations were cleared during the drive, and 51 huts used by cultivators were burnt down.