In a coordinated anti-narcotics operation, security forces, in collaboration with the Forest Department and the Executive Magistrate, destroyed poppy plantations spread across approximately nine acres in the Mullam hill range and Shongphel village hill range under Litan Police Station, Ukhrul district.
The joint effort marks a continued push by law enforcement and civil agencies to curb the cultivation of illegal narcotic crops in the hill districts of Manipur.
Joint Operation for a Drug-Free Manipur
The destruction drive, conducted earlier this week, involved personnel from the security forces, forest officials, and representatives from the local administration. The operation was carried out following prior reconnaissance and ground verification to identify the exact plantation sites.
Officials confirmed that the entire poppy crop was uprooted and destroyed on-site, ensuring that no traces of the illicit plants remained. The land will now be monitored to prevent re-cultivation during the next cycle.
Coordinated Action Between Departments
According to district sources, the involvement of the Forest Department and the Executive Magistrate ensured both legal compliance and environmental safety during the operation.
The action also aligns with the State Government’s wider “War on Drugs” campaign — a coordinated initiative to dismantle the cultivation, processing, and trafficking of narcotics across Manipur’s border districts.
A senior official involved in the operation said,
“These hill areas have seen repeated attempts at illegal poppy cultivation. Our aim is to break the cycle by combining enforcement with awareness and rehabilitation.”
Sustainable Follow-Up Measures
Authorities have indicated plans to promote alternative livelihood programmes in affected areas through convergence with schemes under the Department of Horticulture, Rural Development, and Forest Conservation initiatives.
This approach seeks to discourage poppy replantation by helping local farmers transition to legal, high-value crops such as ginger, turmeric, and citrus.
| Location | Extent of Area Cleared | Departments Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Mullam Hill Range | 5 acres (approx.) | Security Forces, Forest Dept., Magistrate Office |
| Shongphel Village Hill Range | 4 acres (approx.) | Security Forces, Forest Dept., Magistrate Office |
Community Awareness and Monitoring
Officials have urged local communities to cooperate with ongoing monitoring activities and to report any signs of re-cultivation or drug-related activities in nearby areas.
District authorities reiterated that sustained enforcement, combined with socio-economic development, remains essential to achieving a drug-free Ukhrul and promoting sustainable land use across the region.