UKHRUL: Security forces and civil authorities intensified the third phase of the ongoing poppy destruction drive in Ukhrul district between February 3 and 5, destroying large tracts of illegal poppy cultivation across several hill ranges, police said.
According to Ukhrul Police, on February 3, a combined team comprising 112 personnel from the Ukhrul District Police, 8 Bihar Regiment, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), B Company of BSF 57 Battalion, D Company of BSF 79 Battalion, and the Forest Department, Ukhrul, led by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Jessami, conducted an operation at the Thawai Kuki area of the Mapithel Hill Range. During the operation, the team destroyed approximately 38 acres of illegal poppy plants and dismantled and burnt 10 huts. Police said necessary FIRs would be registered in connection with the operation.
The drive continued on February 4 with coordinated operations at two locations. A combined team of 115 personnel, comprising the Ukhrul District Police, 8 Bihar Regiment, NCB, B Company of BSF 57 Battalion, D Company of BSF 79 Battalion, and the Forest Department, Ukhrul, again led by the SDPO, Jessami, destroyed around 180 acres of illegal poppy cultivation at the Leingangching area of the Mapithel Hill Range. During the operation, 22 huts were dismantled and burnt.
On the same day, another team led by the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ukhrul, comprising personnel from the Ukhrul District Police, 6th Manipur Rifles, Forest Department, and 18 Assam Rifles, conducted a poppy destruction drive at the Khamasom Hill Range, where approximately 90 acres of illegal poppy plants were destroyed and seven huts were burnt down.
On February 5, as part of the continuing third phase of the drive, security forces again carried out operations at two locations. A combined team of 122 personnel, including the Ukhrul District Police, Executive Magistrate Kamjong, 8 Bihar Regiment, NCB, B Company of BSF 57 Battalion, D Company of BSF 79 Battalion, and the Forest Department, Ukhrul, led by the SDPO, Jessami, destroyed about 90 acres of illegal poppy cultivation at the Leingangching–Sikibung area of the Mapithel Hill Range.
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In a separate operation on the same day, a team led by the SSP, Ukhrul, comprising the Ukhrul District Police, 6th Manipur Rifles, Forest Department, and 18 Assam Rifles, conducted a poppy destruction drive at the Khamasom Hill Range, destroying approximately 95 acres of illegal poppy plants and dismantling and burning two huts.
Police stated that no cultivators were found at any of the sites and no arrests were made during the operations. However, poppy pods were seized from the locations for further reference, and necessary FIRs will be registered accordingly. The authorities added that the poppy destruction drive will continue until Saturday, February 7, 2026.