More than 110 Acres of Poppy Fields Eradicated in Manipur
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Imphal, Dec 13 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh, stated on Friday that a coordinated effort by security forces, which included the Police, the Forest Department, the Assam Rifles, and district administration, conducted a crucial operation to eradicate poppy cultivation in the Khamasom hill ranges situated in Ukhrul district on Thursday.
He revealed that in addition to the destruction of over 110 acres of poppy fields, authorities also set fire to eight huts discovered on the site, and an FIR has been filed to pursue further inquiries.
“I extend my gratitude to the entire team, especially the Assam Rifles, for their unwavering dedication in tackling this issue during these challenging times. Your efforts are crucial in ensuring a safer future for our community,” the Chief Minister expressed in a post on X.
The state and central security forces have ramped up their efforts to dismantle illegal poppy farming within the region, frequently targeting illicit agricultural activities primarily in hilly terrains.
On December 7, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with residents from Saibol Joupi, TM Dingpi, and T Bollon, successfully eradicated roughly two square kilometers of unauthorized poppy plantations in Chandel district.
Separately, on December 7, the Manipur Police destroyed 30 acres of illegal poppy farming in the Khamason range of Ukhrul District and apprehended four individuals.
Poppy cultivation, primarily conducted in reserve and protected forests, is detrimental to both the environment and the ecosystem.
A government report highlights that from 2017 to 2024, various law enforcement agencies, including the Manipur Police, have eradicated a total of 19,135.60 acres of illegal poppy crops across the state's 12 districts.
According to the report compiled by the Manipur Remote Sensing Applications Centre (MARSAC), the mountainous Kangpokpi district witnessed the largest destruction of poppy cultivation, totaling 4,454.4 acres over the past seven years (2017-2024), followed by Ukhrul with 3,348 acres and Churachandpur with 2,713.8 acres.
MARSAC operates as an autonomous body under the Planning Department of the Manipur government.
The report indicates that extensive poppy farming has led to significant deforestation, adversely affecting the ecosystem through soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and alterations in local climate.
The Manipur government has repeatedly stated that the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, which began last May, is partly due to illegal immigrants from Myanmar, who, after settling unlawfully in the state, initiated the cultivation of these illicit poppies.
