Imphal: As part of its ongoing War on Drugs campaign, a joint team comprising Kangpokpi District Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and an Executive Magistrate, under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Kangpokpi, Manoj Prabhakar, conducted a poppy destruction drive in the hill range of Lhungjang Village, under Saikul Police Station, yesterday.
Lhungjang Village is the native village of Ch. Ajang Khongsai, President of Kuki Inpi, Manipur. The operation targeted a large tract of land identified as a key site for illicit poppy cultivation, contributing to the production of illegal opium.
Despite the authorities’ clear intent to enforce the law and combat the drug menace, the drive faced violent resistance. A large mob armed with sticks gathered at the site and forcibly halted the operation. Exploiting the limited presence of police personnel, the mob vandalized three police vehicles and issued threats to stop the destruction drive. The situation escalated quickly, prompting a reinforcement team led by SP Kangpokpi to rush to the scene to restore order and ensure the continuation of the operation.
Undeterred by the aggression and threats, the combined team successfully destroyed approximately 45 acres of illegal poppy cultivation.
An FIR has been registered at Saikul Police Station for further investigation. The government has strongly condemned the violent obstruction and assured strict legal action against all those involved, including Ajang Khongsai, who is linked to both the village and the incident.
Reaffirming its commitment to the War on Drugs campaign, the government stated that it will not tolerate any attempts to hinder the crackdown on illicit poppy cultivation across the state.
