Security forces, in coordination with the Ukhrul district Forest Department, destroyed large stretches of illegal poppy cultivation in Manipur’s hill districts, officials said on Wednesday.
The joint operation was carried out on December 17 at several locations in Ukhrul district, including LM Block, Yaolen Chepu and Lamlai Chingphei areas. During the drive, authorities identified and destroyed around 140 acres of poppy plantations. As part of the operation, 16 makeshift huts found at the cultivation sites — believed to have been used by cultivators and labourers — were also set on fire.
Officials said the action is part of the ongoing crackdown on illegal drug cultivation and efforts to dismantle networks linked to the narcotics trade in the region.
In a separate operation on December 16, security forces arrested an active cadre of the banned outfit SOREPA from the Lamding Nashikhong Leikai area under Thoubal Police Station in Thoubal district.
The arrested person was identified as Khundrakpam Bitanjit Meitei alias Tomcha (31), a resident of Heirok Part-II, Laimayum, in Thoubal district. A mobile phone along with a SIM card was recovered from his possession at the time of arrest.