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Manipur Police Destroys 53 Acres of Poppy Fields in Major Narcotics Bust

In a major crackdown, Manipur Police and the Narcotics Control Bureau destroyed poppy cultivation spanning 53 acres in Kangpokpi district's hill ranges. The operation led to the burning of infrastructure, including huts, fertilizers, and herbicides used for illegal cultivation. In separate actions, security forces arrested alleged extortionists linked to militant groups and recovered weapons and explosives in Tengnoupal district. These coordinated efforts are part of a broader drive to curb narcotics and militant activities in the state.

Key Points: Manipur Police, NCB Destroy 53 Acres of Poppy Cultivation

  • 53 acres destroyed in Kangpokpi
  • Joint police and NCB operation
  • Huts and cultivation materials burnt
  • Separate arrests of extortionists
  • Weapons recovered in other ops
2 min read

Manipur Police destroys 53 acres of poppy cultivation in Kangpokpi

Joint operation in Kangpokpi destroys 53 acres of poppy fields, huts, and equipment. Police also report arrests and weapon recoveries in separate actions.

"53 acres of poppy cultivation were destroyed in the hill ranges - Officials"

Imphal, January 8

In a joint operation, the Manipur Police, along with the Narcotics Control Bureau, destroyed poppy cultivation spread over 53 acres in the hill ranges of Kangpokpi district, officials said.

The joint operation was carried out on Wednesday by Manipur Police, CRPF, Forest Department, and the NCB, where 53 acres of poppy cultivation were destroyed in the hill ranges of Moljol, Tusam, Vaichei-Naphai, and surrounding areas.

During the operation, security forces also burnt infrastructure and materials used for poppy cultivation. A total of seven huts, 11 bags of fertilisers, 23 Roundup herbicides, and 14 bags of salt were destroyed.

Equipment used for poppy cultivation, including spray pumps, pipes, herbicides, and other related items, was destroyed, officials added.

Meanwhile, in a drive to curb illegal installation on motorbikes, 23 modified silencer pipes seized by Manipur Police in Churachandpur over the last two days were destroyed on Thursday.

In December, Manipur Police and security forces carried out multiple operations across the state, leading to the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and explosives, and the arrest of an extortionist.

According to a release from Manipur Police, security forces recovered two improvised mortars and three WT sets from Konaitong and Pelyang hill range under Machi police station, Tengnoupal district.

Security Forces conducted intelligence-based cordon and search operations in Imphal West District, arresting active RPF/PLA cadres.

Forces arrested an active cadre extortionist of RPF/PLA, one Nongmaithem Narendra Meitei, Lamphel police station, Imphal West district, from his residence. From his possession, two mobile phones with two SIM cards and an Aadhaar card were seized.

Security Forces arrested an active cadre of RPF/PLA, one Kshetrimayum Nilakanta Singh, recovering two mobile handsets and one driving license, according to the release.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good work, but I hope the government also provides alternative livelihood options for the farmers involved. Simply destroying crops without a rehabilitation plan might push people back into it out of desperation.
V
Vikram M
53 acres is a huge area! This shows the scale of the problem. The joint operation by Police, CRPF, and NCB is commendable. We need to cut off the funding to insurgent groups that often profit from this.
R
Rohit P
Destroying modified silencers too? That's interesting! Shows they are tackling all forms of lawlessness. Hope peace returns to Manipur soon. The arrests of extortionists are equally important for normalcy.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited the beautiful northeast, it's heartbreaking to see such issues. The recovery of mortars and arrests show the deep-rooted challenges. Sustained security and development focus is the only way forward.
N
Nikhil C
The use of "Roundup" herbicide is concerning for the environment, even if the intent is good. There must be a more ecological way to destroy these illegal crops without poisoning the land and water sources.

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