In Churachandpur district, around 8 acres of poppy fields were destroyed in the D. Lhangjol area under Sangaikot Police Station. Authorities estimate that the destroyed crop could have produced several kilograms of processed narcotics. In Tengnoupal district, another 10 acres were cleared in the Machi hill range, where security teams uprooted mature plants believed to be ready for harvesting.

The State government had earlier issued repeated warnings against those involved in widespread poppy plantation, highlighting environmental destruction, forest loss and its link with cross-border narcotics trafficking networks. Officials say poppy farming has expanded into remote hill terrains, making it difficult to detect and dismantle without coordinated operations.

Over the past several years, large swathes of illegal cultivation have emerged across Manipur’s hill districts, prompting concerns that the narcotics economy is fuelling organised crime, insurgent financing, and cross-border smuggling routes extending into Myanmar. The government says sustained operations will continue through the winter harvesting season.

Local civil bodies and anti-drug groups have welcomed the latest action, calling it a major step in curbing organised opium cultivation. However, activists have urged authorities to ensure follow-up arrests, dismantle supply chains and provide alternative livelihood options to villagers who rely on poppy growing for income.

Officials stated that the government remains committed to a “war on drugs” approach and will continue surveillance to prevent re-cultivation in the cleared areas.

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During the day-long mission, the joint team of security personnel destroyed nearly 15 acres of poppy plantations, marking one of the most extensive eradication efforts in the district this month. Officials said the team identified the cultivation sites after thorough surveillance and intelligence gathering, ensuring precise targeting of the illegal fields hidden across the hilly terrain.

In addition to uprooting the poppy crops, the forces also demolished infrastructure supporting the cultivation. This included a hut used by growers, a temporary irrigation system designed to sustain the plantation, and three chemical spraying pumps recovered from the site. Such facilities, authorities noted, indicate a well-organized effort behind the illegal operations.

Security officials emphasized that the crackdown is part of Manipur’s broader campaign against narcotics production, which poses significant social and health risks to local communities. The state has intensified operations in remote areas where poppy cultivation often flourishes due to difficult terrain and limited oversight.

Authorities have launched further surveillance to prevent re-cultivation in the area and are working to identify individuals or groups involved in the illegal activity. Officials also warned that any attempts to restart cultivation would face strict legal action.

The operation highlights the state’s ongoing determination to combat drug-related activities and safeguard vulnerable communities from their long-term impact. Authorities continue to encourage local residents to cooperate with law enforcement to ensure the success of anti-narcotics campaigns and the safety of the region.

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