Imphal, Dec 15 || The Assam Rifles has identified a staggering 16,250 acres of illegal poppy fields in different districts of Manipur in the past five years and destroyed 6,228 acres, officials said on Sunday.
The defence spokesman said that besides fighting against various unlawful activities and crackdown on the drug menaces, the combat against illegal poppy cultivation has been a consistent priority for Assam Rifles, as reflected in its sustained efforts over the years.
He said that in 2020 the para-military force identified an astounding 8,057 acres of illicit poppy fields in various districts and 1,695 acres were destroyed.
Continuing the force’s rigorous action, a total of 5,610 acres of unlawful poppy fields were identified and 1,976 acres were destroyed in 2021. And, the next year (2022) the force intensified 494 acres and destroyed 715 acres, including previously undiscovered patches.
In 2023, a total of 1,735 acres of illegal poppy cultivation areas were identified and 1,488 acres were eradicated. This year so far, 354 acres of illicit poppy cultivation areas have been destroyed, primarily in the districts of Ukhrul, Churachandpur and Chandel.