Imphal, Dec 15: In a major offensive against illegal poppy cultivation, the Assam Rifles has identified 16,250 acres of unlawful poppy fields in Manipur over the past five years and successfully destroyed 6,228 acres.
Operating in collaboration with state and central agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Manipur Police, and other Central Armed Police Forces, the Assam Rifles has been systematically identifying and eradicating poppy fields in remote mountainous and forested regions.
“Besides combating various unlawful activities and cracking down on drug-related menaces, the fight against illegal poppy cultivation has remained a consistent priority for the Assam Rifles, as reflected in its sustained efforts over the years,” a defence spokesperson stated.
The most significant action occurred in 2020, when the paramilitary force identified 8,057 acres of illegal poppy cultivation across various districts, leading to the destruction of 1,695 acres.
The following year, 2021, saw the identification of 5,610 acres of unlawful poppy fields, of which 1,976 acres were destroyed. In 2022, the Assam Rifles intensified its operations, identifying 494 acres and destroying 715 acres, including previously undiscovered patches.
In 2023, the force identified 1,735 acres of illegal poppy cultivation and successfully eradicated 1,488 acres. So far in 2024, 354 acres of illicit poppy cultivation have been destroyed, with the primary operations concentrated in the districts of Ukhrul, Churachandpur, and Chandel.
According to the defence spokesperson, the substantial reduction in the area of identified poppy fields in 2024 highlights the effectiveness of the joint efforts by state and central governments. The success is attributed to the Assam Rifles’ multi-pronged strategy to combat illegal poppy farming, which has contributed to a significant decline in illicit cultivation activity in the region.
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