IMPHAL, Nov 26: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced on Tuesday that 12 acres of poppy cultivation in Kangpokpi district were destroyed by the Kangpokpi Police, CRPF, and the district administration. The destruction drive took place near Makhan village in Saitu Sub-division.
Praising the efforts of the team, CM Biren Singh took to X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Well done Kangpokpi Police, CRPF, & District administration for carrying out the poppy destruction drive near Makhan village, Saitu Sub-division, Kangpokpi district today.”
He emphasized the government’s determination to eliminate illegal poppy cultivation, saying, “Despite recent resistance by Kuki militants, the team successfully destroyed 12 acres of illegal poppy cultivation today. Let it be clear to those attempting to exploit the situation to expand poppy cultivation: the state and central governments are closely monitoring their activities, and we remain unwavering in our commitment to eradicate every last poppy plant.”
The Chief Minister also confirmed that an FIR has been registered at Sapermeina Police Station to identify the cultivators and initiate strict legal action against them.
Earlier on November 23, the Makhan (Makhen) Village Authority issued an ultimatum to the state government, urging immediate action against poppy cultivators allegedly encroaching on their land. They accused certain Kuki groups and individuals of being responsible for the illegal activities.
The village authority set a four-day deadline for action, demanding the destruction of poppy plants on Makhan Liangmai Naga land. They also called for the arrest of “Kuki poppy cartel groups and individuals” who reportedly brandished weapons against local volunteers and destroyed equipment.
