Archive · 21 Nov 2025
India's War on Drugs: From Manipur to Eastern Ghats
The Indian government is fighting against illegal drug production and trafficking, which is linked to violence and environmental damage.
In Manipur, the 'War on Drugs' campaign has been successful in reducing poppy cultivation.
However, the problem persists in other regions like Jharkhand and the Eastern Ghats, where cannabis production is linked to Maoists and Naxalites.
The government is working to eliminate these threats by 2026.
Modi government aims to eliminate Left Wing extremism by 2026, targeting illegal narcotics funding
Illegal narcotics production in Manipur, Jharkhand, and Eastern Ghats linked to violence and environmental damage
Manipur's 'War on Drugs' campaign since 2018 has destroyed over 3,400 acres of poppy crops and seized drugs worth over 20 billion rupees
Poppy cultivation in Manipur declined by 32.13% between 2022 and 2023, with over 3,000 acres eliminated since 2017
Illegal cannabis (Ganja) production in Eastern Ghats and Odisha linked to Maoists and Naxalites for funding operations
- Who
- Indian government, security forces, local administrations, authorities, and the central government
- What
- Combating illegal narcotics production and trafficking
- When
- Ongoing, with a deadline of 2026 set by the Modi government
- Where
- Manipur, Jharkhand, Eastern Ghats, and other regions in India
- Why
- To eliminate Left Wing extremism, reduce violence, and protect the environment
Government's stance
Critics' concerns
Drug funding for violence
Government's stance
Government is actively targeting and dismantling drug networks linked to violence
Critics' concerns
Critics argue that the government's approach may not address the root causes of drug production and trafficking
Environmental impact
Government's stance
Government acknowledges environmental damage caused by drug cultivation and is working to mitigate it
Critics' concerns
Critics worry that the government's focus on drug eradication may exacerbate environmental issues in the short term
- Drugs seized in Manipur
- Over 20 billion rupees
- Poppy cultivation decline in Manipur
- 32.13% between 2022 and 2023
- Poppy cultivation eliminated in Manipur
- Over 3,000 acres since 2017
- Cannabis production link
- Maoists and Naxalites in Eastern Ghats and Odisha