In a major offensive against illegal drug cultivation, security forces in Manipur, in coordination with multiple government agencies including the Forest Department, destroyed vast poppy plantations across Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts on 12 and 13 November.

On 13 November, a joint team uprooted and burned poppy crops spread across nearly 35 acres in the Mullam hill range under Litan Police Station in Ukhrul district. The team also demolished three makeshift huts believed to have been used by cultivators for temporary shelter.

This operation came just a day after security personnel cleared approximately 56 acres of poppy plantations in Kangpokpi district. The coordinated action targeted adjoining areas between the Thonglang Akutpa and Songjang hill ranges, as well as Awlmun village under Kangchup Police Station.

According to officials, the operations were aimed at dismantling entrenched networks of illegal poppy cultivation that fuel the region’s drug trade. In the 12 November operation, the forces also razed 19 farm huts and destroyed 10 fertilizer bags and 9 sacks of salt found at the sites.

Authorities described the consecutive operations as a significant step toward curbing narcotics production in the hill districts and confirmed that similar actions will continue in the coming weeks.