According to officials on Sunday, the Assam Rifles have demolished 6,228 acres of illegal poppy crops in various districts of Manipur and discovered an astounding 16,250 acres in the last five years. According to the defense spokesperson, the Assam Rifles have always prioritized combating illegal poppy production, as evidenced by their persistent efforts over the years, in addition to fighting against different criminal activities and clamping down on narcotic menaces. According to him, the paramilitary group eradicated 1,695 acres of illegal poppy fields in 2020 after discovering an incredible 8,057 acres spread over multiple regions.
In 2021, the force continued its aggressive efforts, identifying 5,610 acres of illegal poppy farms and destroying 1,976 acres. Additionally, the force increased in 2022, destroying 715 acres, including undiscovered areas, and burning 494 acres. In cooperation with state and federal agencies, such as the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Manipur Police, and other Central Armed Police Forces stationed in the region, the Assam Rifles has been actively detecting and eliminating illicit poppy production in mountainous and wooded areas. As the Ministry of Home Affairs’ nodal agency for narcotics enforcement, the NCB made sure that all parties involved worked together throughout operations, particularly during the opium harvesting seasons.
The goal of coordinated efforts by various forces has been to stop cultivation, break up supply routes, and destroy the networks that support the illegal drug trade. The Assam Rifles has carried out massive awareness campaigns under its “Drug-Free Manipur” project to inform local populations about the dangers of drug addiction and illicit farming. The force has aggressively supported sustainable livelihood options and encouraged a move towards legal and long-term economic pursuits through frequent contacts with local leaders and communities.
