Manipur’s ‘War on Drugs’ intensifies: Security forces destroy 15 acres of illegal poppy in Tengnoupal

Poppy Cultivation Destroyed in Manipur (Image via Northeast Today)

On Monday, 17th November Security forces carried out another big anti-narcotics drive in Manipur, destroying nearly 15 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in Tengnoupal district. The operation took place in the Khudei Khullen hill range under Tengnoupal Police Station, where a joint team identified and uprooted the crops during the day-long mission.

The forces also demolished a hut that was being used by cultivators, removed a temporary irrigation setup, and destroyed three chemical spray pumps found at the site. Officials said strict checks are being maintained to stop farmers from replanting and to catch those running the illegal activity.  

This comes soon after a series of joint operations in Manipur last week, in which more than 530 acres of poppy plantations were destroyed between 11th to 15th November. Teams of the Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Manipur Police, and several government agencies took part.

The biggest phase of the drive was carried out in Ukhrul district, where poppy fields covering around 436 acres were cleared in the Somdal, Lamlai Chingfei, and Litan hill ranges. The forces also burnt down 51 huts used as temporary living and storage spaces by cultivators.

Similar operations were carried out in Kangpokpi district as well. At Loibol Khullen village, a joint team destroyed around 20 acres of poppy fields and recovered two sacks of salt packets used in poppy farming. Several farm tools, pipes, spray pumps, and herbicides were also destroyed.

In another action at Kotlen village, nearly 20 more acres of plantations were cleared, along with five makeshift huts, three sacks of fertiliser, herbicides, and salt bags. Earlier on November 12, security teams uprooted poppy crops spread over about 56 acres in the hill areas between Thonglang Akutpa and Songjang and at Awlmun village, removing 19 huts and disposing of fertilisers and other materials used in the cultivation.

According to police, these combined operations in Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, and Senapati districts destroyed about 486 acres of illegal poppy fields within five days. Officials said the destroyed poppy crops could have produced more than 3,300 kilograms of opium worth several crores of rupees.

Around 60 huts were pulled down during these drives, along with a large number of fertiliser bags, chemical herbicides, salt sacks, and farm equipment. Security forces said they faced tough terrain and bad weather but continued their actions with full force to destroy the drug network and stop illegal trade.

A defence spokesperson said the Assam Rifles and other law enforcement units are fully committed to ending narcotics cultivation and its impact on the local economy. He said these joint actions are part of the government’s ongoing “War against Drugs” campaign, launched to stop the production and circulation of illegal substances in the state.

Since 2020, security forces have identified over 8,000 acres of poppy plantations across government and forest lands, out of which nearly 1,700 acres were destroyed in that year alone. Over time, this strong enforcement has led to a steady fall in the number of poppy farms being found in Manipur, showing that the multi-level campaign is working.

According to security and government officials, the cultivation of poppy has long been connected to rising violence, funding of armed groups, and the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur. The profits from poppy farming and drug trade often flow into the hands of networks that keep unrest alive in the hills. The Assam Rifles has maintained a strict zero-tolerance policy against such trade, taking firm action against those involved in cultivation and financing.

Officials added that by continuously clearing poppy fields and breaking the backbone of the narco-economy, security forces are not only destroying a dangerous source of income for illegal groups but also building hope for peace and stability in Manipur’s hill districts. The operations are expected to continue in the coming days as part of efforts to make the region drug-free and secure.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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