Manipur Police has drawn up a comprehensive plan to destroy illegal poppy plantations in 516 villages spread across 10 districts of the state, with support from various security forces, a senior police officer said on November 10.
Addressing a press conference, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo said the campaign would be carried out with the cooperation of security agencies and called upon the public to support the initiative. He noted that illegal poppy cultivation has contributed to environmental degradation, public health concerns, criminal activities and the financing of conflicts.
“A detailed plan has been finalised to eradicate illegal poppy cultivation in 516 villages across 10 districts. Anyone found involved in such activities will face strict legal action,” Lhatoo said.
Referring to the recent killing of two youths from Taphou Kuki village, the ADGP stated that the proposal to hand over the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was in an advanced stage and that the authorities were awaiting the necessary approvals.
He said an FIR had already been registered and that witnesses were examined while several individuals were questioned as part of the investigation. Large-scale search operations were also conducted by joint teams comprising the Manipur Police, CRPF, CoBRA, BSF, Assam Rifles and the Indian Army under the supervision of senior officers.
The bodies of the two youths were later recovered from a forested area in Senapati district, around 14 kilometres away from the national highway. Security forces continue to conduct operations to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings.
Lhatoo further revealed that additional CRPF personnel had been requisitioned from the Centre and were expected to be deployed in the state shortly. Their deployment is aimed at strengthening security in sensitive areas, including Govajang. He also said CRPF personnel had already moved into the Chalwa area.
On reports of extortion activities along National Highway 37, the ADGP said police and security forces were continuously working to ensure the safe movement of convoys. He urged the public not to obstruct security personnel during operations against extortion networks.
