Imphal, Nov 16 (NationPress) In a decisive move, security forces have obliterated approximately 25 acres of illicit poppy plantations in the rugged terrain of Manipur's Kangpokpi district, successfully thwarting an effort to generate opium valued at several crores, officials reported on Sunday.

A spokesperson from the Defence stated that, acting on intelligence regarding unlawful poppy farming, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the CRPF and Manipur Police, initiated a coordinated operation in the Loibol Khullen region of Kangpokpi district on Saturday morning, which persisted until late evening.

The operation comprised extensive area domination and the search for suspected cultivation sites. During this initiative, the joint task force uncovered and eliminated around 25 acres of illegal poppy farming, which could potentially produce over 170 kilograms of opium, worth several crores, thus delivering a substantial blow to the drug networks operating in the area, he added.

The spokesperson noted that this rigorous operation was executed under difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions, emphasizing the steadfast commitment of the Assam Rifles to combat unlawful narcotics cultivation and dismantle the financial networks supporting insurgency and other anti-national activities.

This successful operation underscores the Assam Rifles' dedication to establishing a drug-free Northeast and contributing to long-term peace, stability, and socio-economic progress in the region, as stated by the Assam Rifles.

The recent destruction of illegal poppy farms marks the third such operation in the same mountainous Kangpokpi district within two weeks. On November 12, the Assam Rifles, along with CRPF and Manipur Police, dismantled around 25 acres of illicit poppy cultivation, which had the potential to yield approximately 190 kilograms of opium, also worth several crores.

Previously, on November 2, the Assam Rifles, along with other security entities, eradicated illegal poppy plantations covering a total of 30 acres in the neighboring Kangchup district. The operation also led to the destruction of three farm huts, three bags of fertilizer, and two sacks of salt found at the locations. Additionally, two burnt Gypsy vehicles were discovered at the site.

A senior state government official noted that as part of the Manipur government's “War against drugs”, various security forces, including Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, have over the years eradicated hundreds of acres of illegal poppy cultivation on government and forest lands.

In 2020, authorities identified an alarming 8,057 acres of poppy fields, with 1,695 acres destroyed. This trend of stringent action has persisted in subsequent years. The Assam Rifles and other security forces have intensified their operations to eliminate hundreds of acres of illegal poppy farming. By 2024 and 2025, the identified area of poppy fields had significantly decreased, showcasing the success of both state and Central government efforts, alongside security forces' multi-faceted strategy, as pointed out by the official.

State politicians and officials remarked that the ongoing ethnic crisis in Manipur, coupled with the escalating drug issue, is a primary factor contributing to the current situation. The Assam Rifles’ zero-tolerance stance on narcotics-related activities has led to legal repercussions for violators, including farmers and financiers, stated a defence spokesperson.

He asserted that the Assam Rifles remain committed to combating the issue of poppy farming along the India-Myanmar border.

According to the defense representative, by dismantling poppy fields and targeting the roots of the narcotics trade, the Assam Rifles reaffirm their commitment to ensuring stability and security in Manipur and beyond. The defense official reported that the battle against poppy farming has consistently been a priority for the paramilitary force, as evidenced by their sustained efforts over the years.