Manipur's Poppy Fields Under Siege: 601 Acres Destroyed, 9-Kg IED Recovered

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In a massive crackdown on illicit poppy cultivation, security forces in Manipur have destroyed over 601 acres of poppy fields across 10 hill ranges in Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts. The operation, which began on December 16, also led to the recovery of a 9-kg improvised explosive device (IED) from Thoubal district. The largest haul of poppy fields, spanning 559 acres, was destroyed in Ukhrul district. Security forces also destroyed 82 huts and seized poppy pods at the plantation sites. In Kangpokpi district, 42 acres of poppy fields were destroyed, along with 20 huts, fertilisers, herbicides, and poppy seeds. The Manipur Police have registered three FIRs in connection with the drive against poppy plantation. The operation is part of the government's efforts to eradicate illicit poppy fields, and security forces have appealed to the public to cooperate with them to ensure lasting success. According to the Narcotic Affairs of Border (NAB), security forces have destroyed over 18,212 acres of illegal poppy cultivation and arrested more than 3,200 individuals in the last eight years. In a separate operation, security forces recovered a 9-kg IED, three live rounds, and 13 fired cases of different calibres from Monglham Base and adjoining foothill areas under Thoubal Dam police station in Imphal East district. The recoveries were made during search operations and area domination in fringe and vulnerable areas across Manipur.