Manipur: 54 acres of poppy plants razed in Kangpokpi

Imphal: A joint team of central and state forces, in their renewed drive against narcotic plant cultivation, destroyed 54 acres of fully grown poppy plants—estimated to be worth approximately Rs 2.1 lakh—in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. A total of 16 farm huts and several bags of chemical fertilisers were also destroyed in the fire on Monday, officials said on Tuesday.

The Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and CRPF, with a combined strength of 150 personnel, cut down and destroyed illicit poppy plantations in the hill ranges of Khoiripok, Sehjang, C. Lamjang, and the surrounding areas under the Kangpokpi Range.

The joint team destroyed 36 acres of poppy cultivation in the hill ranges of C. Lamjang and neighbouring areas under Kangpokpi Police Station in Kangpokpi district. Eleven huts, 14 bags of fertilisers, and nine bags of salt found at the plantation sites were also destroyed.

In the second phase of the operation, the team cleared 18 acres of poppy cultivation located between Khoiripok and Sehjang villages under New Keithelmanbi Police Station in Kangpokpi district. Five huts, one bag of fertiliser, spray pumps, and chemicals/herbicides used for cultivation were destroyed by setting them on fire.

No arrests have been reported so far, but police said separate cases have been registered.

Meanwhile, former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh appreciated the operation. In a post on X, he wrote, “This is not just a local action; such an operation ensures Manipur does not become a gateway for this menace to reach the rest of the nation.”