9 months ago
Manipur Faces Existential Crisis Over Poppy Cultivation
Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh of Manipur has spoken about a big problem in the state.
He says that people are cutting down forests to grow poppy plants, which are used to make drugs.
This is causing floods and destroying the environment.
He also mentioned that armed groups might be involved in this illegal activity.
Security forces have been working to destroy these poppy plants.
They have destroyed over 800 acres of poppy fields, which could have made a lot of drugs worth hundreds of crores of rupees.
The forces are continuing their efforts to stop this illegal farming and bring peace to the region.
Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh alleges that illegal poppy cultivation is destroying forests and causing floods in Manipur.
Security forces have destroyed over 800 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in Manipur's mountainous districts.
The destroyed poppy fields could have yielded around 7,572 kg of opium worth several hundred crores of rupees.
Armed militants are suspected to be involved in the illegal poppy cultivation.
Ongoing operations by security forces aim to curb narcotics cultivation and promote peace in the region.
- Who
- Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh and security forces
- What
- Destruction of illegal poppy cultivation and concerns over forest destruction and floods
- Where
- Manipur's mountainous districts: Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Senapati
- When
- Between November 11 and December 1, 2025, with ongoing operations
- Why
- To curb illicit narcotics cultivation and address the existential crisis due to forest destruction and floods
Key facts
- Former Chief Minister
- N Biren Singh
- Affected Districts
- Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Senapati
- Poppy Cultivation Destroyed
- 800 acres
- Potential Opium Yield
- 7,572 kg
- Estimated Opium Worth
- Several hundred crores of rupees
- Huts Destroyed
- 160
- Forces Involved
- Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, NCB, Manipur Police
Quotes
N Biren Singh
Former Chief Minister of Manipur
“All our forest has been destroyed while we are trying to pull each other down. None of our leaders has spoken out against such wide-scale devastation. Why have officials of the Forest Department not taken any action against the perpetrators? It is suspected that armed militants are involved in these illicit activities. Unless we take concrete action, the state will face an existential crisis.”
NDTV
“This video recorded today shows why recurrent floods have taken place in the state. The footage shows poppy plantations at Kolten and Selsi Hill Ranges of IT- Road under T. Waichong Sub-division in Kangpokpi District.”
NDTV
Assam Rifles
Paramilitary force involved in anti-narcotics operations
“This successful operation reaffirms the steadfast commitment of the Assam Rifles towards fostering a drug-free northeast and contributing to long-term peace, stability and socio-economic development in the region.”
NDTV
Sources
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