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Imphal, Nov 16 (IANS) Security forces in a joint operation have destroyed about 25 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in Manipur’s hilly Kangpokpi district, effectively foiling an attempt to manufacture opium worth several crores of rupees, officials said on Sunday.
Acting on intelligence inputs regarding illegal poppy cultivation, Assam Rifles along with CRPF and Manipur Police launched a joint operation in Loibol Khullan areas of Kangpokpi district on Saturday morning and continued till late evening, a defense spokesperson said.
The operation largely involved dominating the area and searching for suspicious pockets. He said, during the operation, the joint team discovered and destroyed illegal poppy cultivation in about 25 acres, which was likely to yield more than 170 kg of opium, worth several crores of rupees, dealing a significant blow to the illegal drug network operating in the area.
The spokesperson said the intensive operation was conducted under challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, and the action highlights the unwavering efforts of the Assam Rifles to curb the cultivation of illegal narcotics and dismantle the financial networks that fuel militancy and other anti-national activities.
An Assam Rifles statement said that this successful operation reaffirms the strong commitment of Assam Rifles towards promoting a drug-free North-East and contributing to long-term peace, stability and socio-economic development in the region.
The latest destruction of illegal poppy plantations in Manipur is the third such operation in the same hilly Kangpokpi district in two weeks. On November 12, Assam Rifles along with CRPF and Manipur Police destroyed about 25 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in Kangpokpi district, and these destroyed poppy fields were likely to yield about 190 kg of opium worth several crores of rupees.
On November 2, Assam Rifles, along with other security forces, also destroyed illegal poppy cultivation totaling 30 acres in the same Kangchup district. Three farm huts, three fertilizer bags and two sacks of salt found at the sites were destroyed. Two burnt gypsy vehicles were also found at the spot.
As part of the Manipur government’s “war on drugs”, various security forces, including Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, have destroyed hundreds of acres of illegal poppy cultivation in government and forest lands over the past few years, a senior state government official said.
In 2020, security forces and government agencies identified a staggering 8,057 acres of poppy fields, of which 1,695 acres were destroyed. This trend of harsh action continued in subsequent years. Assam Rifles and other security forces intensified their operations to destroy hundreds of acres of illegal poppy cultivation. The official said that by 2024 and 2025, the area of identified poppy fields had declined significantly, indicating the success of the multi-pronged strategy of the state and central governments and security forces.
State politicians and officials found that the ongoing ethnic crisis in Manipur, as well as the growing drug problem, is one of the major reasons for the current situation. A defense spokesperson said legal action has been taken against defaulters, including farmers and financiers, due to Assam Rifles’ zero-tolerance policy against narcotics-related activities.
He said Assam Rifles continues its determination to fight against the menace of poppy cultivation along the India-Myanmar border.
The spokesperson said that by eliminating poppy cultivation and striking at the roots of narco-trade, Assam Rifles has reaffirmed its commitment towards ensuring stability and security in Manipur and beyond. According to the defense official, the fight against poppy cultivation has been a consistent priority for the paramilitary force, as reflected in its sustained efforts over the years.
–IANS
SC/DPB