Manipur police destroy 65 acres of illegal poppy plantations in Kangpokpi, Ukhrul

Imphal: Manipur police, in close coordination with other security forces, destroyed approximately 65 acres of illicit poppy plantations in the remote hills of Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts.

Officials reported on Thursday that a total of 19 farm huts, 10 fertilizer bags, and nine sacks of salt found at the sites were also destroyed in the fire.

In Kangpokpi district, Manipur police, working with other government agencies, including the Forest Department and Assam Rifles, eradicated approximately 56 acres of illegal poppy cultivation.

The destroyed plantations were located in adjoining areas between the Thonglang Akutpa and Songjang hill ranges and Awlmun village under Kangchup Police Station, Kangpokpi district.

In a separate operation, approximately 9 acres of illicit poppy plantations in the Mullam hill range and Shongphel village hill range under Litan Police Station in Ukhrul district, bordering Myanmar to the east, were also destroyed.

The campaigns against illegal plantations were conducted over the past few days, according to the police.

The drive follows actions by local volunteers, specifically the Committee Against Poppy Plantation, Zalenbung area, who destroyed fertilizers and other materials used for poppy cultivation in Ukhrul district on November 5, 2025.

The volunteers destroyed fertilizers stored in makeshift camps at Songphel, Mullam, and Lamlai Chingphei areas.

A video showing committee members destroying fertilizer bags and pouring their contents on the ground was widely shared on social media.