Cops search for poppy plantation on Thangjing
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 22 2022:
In search of illegal poppy plantations, Churachandpur district police conducted an extensive survey on the western side of Thangjing Hill range under Henglep sub-division.
The massive survey which lasted for four days was conducted as a part of the Government's War on Drugs and destroy illegal poppy plantations.
It was conducted under the supervision of Shivanda Surve, Superintendent of Police, Churachandpur district.
During the survey, three villages namely V Langhnom, Nabil and Mongken were found to have poppy plantations.
The plantations were found in the hinterlands with no motorable roads.
The plantations were found to be in the germination/nursery stage, said sources.
After identifying the illegal poppy plantations, the police summoned the chiefs of the surrounding villages to the office of the Additional Superintendent of Police (Ops) .
As the village chiefs denied ownership of the plantations, the police strongly warned them that they would be arrested and cases slapped against them if the plantations are not destroyed within 15 days.
Besides assuring the police that they would destroy the poppy plantations within the given time, the village chiefs also agreed to issue warnings with dire consequences to those taking up poppy plantations in their respective areas.
Sources also confirmed that the villagers have collectively decided to destroy the illegal poppy plantations in their areas using herbicides, sickles and other physical means.
The district police will conduct another round of survey to confirm the same in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the district police received information about illegal poppy cultivation in Mongjang, Khakhual, Lancha village, Sangaikot under Singngat sub-division and on the Haopi range bordering Churachandpur and Chandel.
Surveys to identify and destroy all illegal plantations in these areas will be conducted, said the district police.
While asking for cooperation, the district police said actions will be taken against those who are found directly or indirectly involved in the illegal cultivation of poppy.