Villagers, civil organisations assist police to destruct poppy plants in Manipur

IMPHAL, Jan 10 (NNN): Villagers and civil society organisations continued to assist security forces in the destruction of poppy plants in Manipur.
Recently, members of Rongmei Naga Students’ Organisation, Manipur (RNSOM) and villagers volunteered to join security forces in the destruction of poppy plants on around four hectares in the hill range of T Khongmol village in Noney district.
A joint team of Manipur police, 39 Assam Rifles and officials of the Forest department in Noney district found a mass plantation of poppy in the hill range during a joint survey with the members of the RNSOM.
“We have destroyed poppy plants on over four hectares in the area today,” said OC of Nungba police station Nilamani Singh while talking to reporters.
He said that earlier they had conducted a survey in many areas within his operational area (under Nungba police station). However, there were no signs of poppy cultivation.
However, when they conducted a fresh survey recently, they found the mass plantation of poppy plants at the far hill range of T Khongmol, Longpi Circle under Nungba police station.
It is indeed surprising to see such massive plantations despite several requests, appeals, and warnings from the Government, the police officer said.
Search and survey drive of poppy plantations will continue to destroy all, he maintained.
The police officer also said that legal action will be initiated against cultivators of poppy.
RNSOM president Daichui said that while the chief minister had declared war on drugs and appealed to make a drug free State, they were surprised at finding a poppy cultivation at unexpected areas of the district.
He then cautioned those engaged in the poppy cultivation that anybody involved in the practice should surrender or quit before they are caught. Daichui also said the student body will never hesitate to protect and safeguard future generations and always stand alongside the Government to help in ending the drug business.