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Manipur Security Crackdown: 4 Militants Arrested, 41 Acres of Poppy Destroyed

Security forces have made significant progress in combating militancy and drug trade in Manipur. Four hardcore militants from banned outfits were apprehended during joint operations across the state. Simultaneously, authorities destroyed 41 acres of illegal poppy cultivation that could have produced opium worth crores. These coordinated efforts represent a major blow to both insurgent activities and the narcotics trade in the region.

Key Points: Manipur Security Forces Arrest 4 Militants Destroy Poppy Fields

  • Four hardcore militants from UNLF and KCP factions arrested in Imphal West district
  • Security forces destroy 41 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in Tengnoupal and Kangpokpi
  • Operations prevented 278 kg opium production worth several crores of rupees
  • Weapons recovery includes .38 pistol and mobile phones from arrested militants
2 min read

4 militants arrested in Manipur; 41 acres of illegal poppy cultivation destroyed

Security forces arrest 4 UNLF and KCP militants in Manipur while destroying 41 acres of illegal poppy cultivation worth crores in anti-narcotics operations.

"The total destroyed acreage could have yielded over 3,583 kg of opium, valued at several hundred crores of rupees - Officials"

Imphal, Nov 18

Security forces, in joint operations, have arrested four hardcore militants and destroyed an additional 41 acres of illegal poppy cultivation across different districts of Manipur over the last 24 hours, officials said on Tuesday.

A police official said the four militants were arrested from Imphal West district and belong to different factions of the outlawed United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP).

Three mobile phones, SIM cards and Aadhaar cards were recovered from their possession, and the militants are currently being interrogated.

In a separate operation, security forces arrested one individual, Thangjam Thoungamba Meitei alias Chingshang (26), from Imphal East district.

Based on his disclosure, a .38 pistol with one magazine was recovered from the foothills of Tiger Camp village in the district.

The official said that, as part of intensified anti-narcotics crackdowns, Central and state security forces on Monday destroyed 41 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in Manipur's mountainous Tengnoupal and Kangpokpi districts.

During the operation, 18 huts were burnt, and seven bags of fertilizers, three bags of salt, one temporary irrigation system and three chemical spraying pumps were also destroyed.

According to officials, the 41 acres of poppy fields destroyed had the potential to yield more than 278 kg of opium, worth several crores of rupees. With the latest operation, the security forces in joint operations have destroyed 527 acres of illegal poppy cultivation since November 11 across four districts -- Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Tengnoupal and Senapati.

The total destroyed acreage could have yielded over 3,583 kg of opium, valued at several hundred crores of rupees, officials said.

Meanwhile, security forces continue extensive crackdowns against militants, with search operations and area domination drives underway in fringe, mixed-populated and vulnerable areas across districts.

A total of 115 checkpoints have been set up across Manipur in both valley and hill districts, to curb illegal movement of inimical elements and suspicious vehicles.

Security forces have also been providing escorts to vehicles, including trucks carrying essential commodities, along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37).

Strict security arrangements and convoy protection continue in sensitive stretches to ensure the safe movement of vehicles.

Manipur Police has urged the public not to believe rumours and to be wary of fake videos on social media.

“The veracity of any circulation of unfounded videos or audio clips may be confirmed from the Central Control Room. Uploading and circulating fake posts on social media will attract legal action,” the police statement warned.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The scale of this operation is impressive - 278 kg of opium worth crores destroyed! But I worry about the farmers who might have been forced into this cultivation due to poverty. Hope the government provides alternative livelihood options.
P
Priya S
Finally some good news from Manipur! The joint operations between central and state forces show coordination is improving. Hope this brings peace to the region soon 🙏
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the security forces' efforts, I'm concerned about the burning of 18 huts. Were these just temporary structures for poppy cultivation or actual homes? The human cost needs consideration too.
M
Michael C
The recovery of Aadhaar cards from militants is concerning. Shows how these elements are using legitimate documents for illegal activities. Need better verification systems!
K
Kavya N
Good that police are warning about fake videos on social media. In sensitive states like Manipur, misinformation can create huge problems. Public should verify before sharing anything.

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