A joint team of Security Forces, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Forest Department destroyed about 67 acres of poppy cultivation in the hill ranges of Makui Ashang, Laloi, Wakotphai, Chaljang and surrounding areas under Kangpokpi Police Station in Kangpokpi district on Saturday, according to a Manipur Police report issued on Monday.
During the operation, the team also destroyed 38 huts, 44 bags of fertilisers, 43 bottles of Roundup herbicide, 26 bags of salt and various equipment including spray pumps and pipes found at the cultivation sites.
Meanwhile, security forces continued intensive search and area domination operations across vulnerable and fringe areas of the state, leading to recovery of arms and ammunition and the arrest of several militants.
On December 7, security forces recovered a large cache of arms and explosives from the IVR of Tharoijam Awang Leikai under Patsoi Police Station in Imphal West district. The recovered items included two single-barrel guns, five pistols with a magazine, one air pistol, 11 magazines, five 12-bore cartridges, 45 rounds of AK ammunition, three high-explosive grenades, six detonators and camouflage gear.
On the same day, Manipur Police arrested an active cadre of PREPAK, identified as Lamabam Roshan Singh alias Ketham alias Athouba (24), from his residence at Ngaikhong Khullen Awang Leikai under Bishnupur Police Station. Two Stallion Pro guns, 13 live 12-bore cartridges, one No. 36 hand grenade, two walkie-talkie sets with chargers, a bulletproof vest and a trunk were seized from him.
Security forces also arrested an active cadre of KYKL, Longjam Mocha Meitei alias Raj (41), from his residence at Kharasom Awang Leikai under Lamlai Police Station in Imphal East district.
An active extortionist of UNLF (K), Yum-khaibam Brojen Singh (50) of Sajirok Mayai Leikai, was arrested from Kadangband Mayai Leikai under Lamsang Police Station in Imphal West district.
Earlier, on December 6, an active cadre of KCP (Nongdrenkhomba), Haobijam Ningtamba Meitei (31) of Thanga Karang Maning Leikai, was arrested from Ningthoukhong Mathak Leikai under Bishnupur Police Station in Bishnupur district.
Security forces stated that such operations will continue to curb illegal activities and restore peace and security in the state.
