Manipur: Ukhrul Police Destroy Over 490 Acres of Poppy Crops
Security forces and civil authorities destroyed hundreds of acres of illegal poppy cultivation across hill ranges in Ukhrul district during the third phase of an ongoing drive.
IMPHAL- Security forces and civil authorities intensified the third phase of an ongoing poppy destruction drive in Ukhrul district between February 3 and 5, destroying large tracts of illegal poppy cultivation across multiple hill ranges, police said.
According to Ukhrul Police, on February 3, a combined team of 112 personnel drawn from the district police, the Indian Army’s 8 Bihar Regiment, the Narcotics Control Bureau, Border Security Force units, and the Forest Department conducted an operation at the Thawai Kuki area of the Mapithel Hill Range.
The operation, led by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Jessami, resulted in the destruction of approximately 38 acres of illegal poppy cultivation. Ten huts were also dismantled and burnt. Police said necessary FIRs would be registered in connection with the operation.
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The drive continued on February 4 with coordinated operations at two locations. A combined team of 115 personnel again carried out poppy destruction at the Leingangching area of the Mapithel Hill Range, destroying around 180 acres of illegal poppy crops. During the operation, 22 huts were dismantled and burnt.
On the same day, a separate operation was conducted at the Khamasom Hill Range by another team led by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Ukhrul. This team, comprising personnel from the district police, the Manipur Rifles, the Forest Department, and the Assam Rifles, destroyed approximately 90 acres of illegal poppy cultivation and dismantled seven huts.
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On February 5, security forces continued operations at two locations. A combined team of 122 personnel, including district police, an executive magistrate from Kamjong, the 8 Bihar Regiment, the Narcotics Control Bureau, Border Security Force units, and the Forest Department, destroyed about 90 acres of illegal poppy cultivation at the Leingangching–Sikibung area of the Mapithel Hill Range.
In a separate operation on the same day, another team led by the Senior Superintendent of Police targeted the Khamasom Hill Range, destroying approximately 95 acres of illegal poppy plants and dismantling and burning two huts.
Police said no cultivators were found at any of the sites and no arrests were made during the operations. However, poppy pods were seized from the locations for documentation and further investigation. Authorities said that FIRs will be registered as per procedure and that the poppy destruction drive will continue until February 7, 2026.
