412 FIRs, 87 arrests over illegal poppy cultivation in seven years: Manipur CM

Imphal: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh informed the state assembly that 412 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been lodged and 87 individuals arrested in connection with illegal poppy cultivation in the state over the past seven years.

The figures were provided in response to a query by Manipur Congress MLA Th Lokeshwor.

In his written statement, CM Singh detailed that a total of 16,788 acres of illegal poppy cultivation were destroyed between 2017 and 2024.

"From 2017 to 2024, 412 FIRs were registered for illegal poppy cultivation. Eighty-seven people, including 16 village chiefs, were also arrested from January 2017 to July 2024," he stated.

In a related discussion, Manipur Congress MLA K Ranjit inquired about the status of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.

CM Singh revealed that the agreement, a tripartite pact involving the central government, the Manipur government, and various Kuki militant groups, has not been extended since February 29, 2024.

"The SoO agreement was designed to bring peace and was first signed in 2008, involving the central government, the Manipur government, and two conglomerates of Kuki militant groups, namely the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People's Front (UPF). It has been periodically extended since then," Singh said.

However, in March 2023, the Manipur government withdrew from the pact due to "unwanted activities" by the militant groups, and this decision was communicated to the central government. Since then, the pact has not been renewed.

Despite the state's withdrawal, Singh noted that the primary responsibility for the SoO lies with the central government, and the Manipur government has limited influence over the agreement's implementation.