A monumental push in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district has yielded dramatic results, with 306 acres of poppy plantations wiped clean in an intensive six-day offensive. This targeted campaign highlights the perils of narcotics in India’s sensitive borderlands.
Nestled in the lush Naga hills, Kangpokpi has long battled illicit poppy farming, abetted by porous borders and economic distress. The recent operation mobilized over 200 personnel, including commandos trained for high-altitude terrain. They traversed steep slopes, destroying fields that locals had nurtured for months.
Data from the ground reveals the operation’s precision: daily tallies climbed from 50 acres on day one to over 70 by the finale. Destroyed plants, weighed at source, confirmed the vast scale. This haul could have processed into hundreds of kilos of heroin, exacerbating Manipur’s addiction crisis.
Beyond enforcement, the drive included awareness drives in villages, urging farmers toward legal crops like ginger and pineapple. Political figures from the area praised the synergy between state forces and tribal bodies.
While celebratory, stakeholders stress long-term fixes: infrastructure, education, and markets for alternatives. Kangpokpi’s success story could inspire replication, fortifying Manipur’s resolve against the drug menace.