Poppy, ganja grown extensively in Ukhrul district
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 07 2016:
Although both poppy and ganja are listed among contraband substances, the two plants known for their psychotropic effects are being cultivated openly and extensively in some hill areas of the State.
It appears that the efforts of authorities concernd to check widespread cultivation of poppy and ganja have yielded little positive results.
After clearing trees and shrubs, poppy is cultivated extensively over hill ranges between Mahadev and Sirarakhong in Ukhrul district.
From Sirarakhong to Phali, one can see widespread cultivation of ganja.
When both poppy and ganja are cultivated quite openly in areas which are clearly visible to passers-by, it is anybody's guess what the situation is like in the interior areas.
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Many people including women and children have been earning their livelihood from poppy and ganja cultivation.
Vast hill ranges were burnt thereby destroying all the natural vegetation and the vacant land surfaces thus created are used for extensive cultivation of poppy and ganja.
Along different roads in Ukhrul district, one can see women and children carrying bundles of ganja plants on their heads.
Ganja thus harvested and packed is smuggled to different parts of the State and beyond including neighbouring countries.
Poppy and ganja cultivators do not plant the two contraband plants at one time.
They plant poppy and ganja in phase manner.
As such, the two psychotropic plants are harvested in phase manner.
Newly cultivated ganja plants and poppy plants which are in different stages of maturity can be seen on the hill slopes.
Experts have pointed out that the soil of Manipur is very suitable for cultivation of poppy and ganja.
Both poppy and ganja produced in Manipur are said to be of very high quality.
There have been reports of Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB), Anti-Narcotics Department, Manipur Police and Assam Rifles destroying poppy and ganja cultivation from time to time.
It is a known fact that poppy is used for manufacturing brown sugar and heroin.
Both processed and non-processed poppy produces are reportedly smuggled out to neighbouring Myanmar and Thailand.
Some poppy plantations are guarded by armed persons which is a clear indication that some powerful and well organised cliques are involved in poppy and ganja cultivation.