Security Forces, in a coordinated operation with the Forest Department and other government agencies, destroyed approximately 35 acres of illegal poppy cultivation at the Mullam hill range under Litan Police Station, Ukhrul district.
The operation, carried out earlier this week, is part of the state’s ongoing War on Drugs campaign aimed at dismantling narcotic crop cultivation across Manipur’s hill districts.
Joint Operation Targets Remote Poppy Fields
The teams conducted extensive ground searches across the Mullam terrain before uprooting and burning down the poppy plants. The area, known for repeated attempts at illicit cultivation, is remote and difficult to access — making enforcement operations both challenging and resource-intensive.
Officials said the combined presence of security forces, forest personnel, and district authorities ensured safe and lawful execution of the drive.
Three Huts Found and Destroyed
During the clearing operation, authorities discovered three makeshift huts at the site. These structures are believed to have been used by cultivators for temporary shelter and storage during the planting and harvesting cycle.
All three huts were dismantled and destroyed on the spot to prevent further use.
War on Drugs Intensifies in Ukhrul
The Mullam hill range has been one of the identified hotspots for narcotics-related cultivation, prompting multiple operations in recent months. Officials said sustained action is necessary to discourage replantation and to send a clear message that illegal poppy-growing activities will not be tolerated.
A senior official involved in the operation stated:
“This campaign is not a one-off event. Continuous monitoring, enforcement, and community awareness are essential if we are to break the cycle of illicit cultivation.”
Alternative Livelihood Support Encouraged
To complement enforcement, the district administration has been encouraging farmers to adopt alternative livelihood schemes under horticulture, agriculture, and rural development departments. These include promotion of legal crops such as turmeric, ginger, orange, and pineapple, which can yield sustainable income for local communities.
Authorities reiterated that the long-term success of the War on Drugs depends not only on destroying illicit plantations but also on providing viable economic alternatives in the region.
Summary of Items Destroyed
| Items Destroyed | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Illegal poppy cultivation | ~35 acres |
| Makeshift huts | 3 |