Senapati/Kangpokpi top in poppy cultivation
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, October 04 2019: With the upsurge of illicit poppy cultivation in the State, Senapati/Kangpokpi Districts topped the illicit cultivation of the 'King of Narcotics', occupying an area of 1,327 acres of land out of the total 2,261 acres of land where illicit poppy cultivation is carried out in the State.

As per the PowerPoint presentation by NAB officials during an awareness programme held against illicit Poppy cultivation today at Kangpokpi DHQs, illicit poppy cultivation was carried out in Churachandpur, Chandel/Tengnoupal, Ukhrul/Kamjong, Senapati/Kangpokpi and Imphal East.

Among these districts, Senapati/Kangpokpi have the highest cultivation of illicit poppy with an area of 1,327 acres of land in the year 2018-19 .

Senapati/Kangpokpi top in poppy cultivation

The second highest is Churachandpur with an areas of 454 acres of land and Ukhrul/Kamjong is in the third with an areas of 360 acres of land and Chandel/Tengnoupal in the fourth with 240 acres of land in 2018-19 while Imphal East witnessed nil in cultivation of illicit poppy since 2015-16 .

The districts and areas affected by illegal poppy cultivation are Churachandpur (Nabil Range, Kiahlam range, Tuila Upstream, general area of Suankuang village, etc); Chandel (Chamol, Phaisi, Sajiktampak, Joumoul, Aibol Joupi, Joupi, Mombi, Nakom, etc); Tengnoupal (Sita junction, Khunjai Ridge, Khoibu centre, SL Zougam, Saivom, Semang, Hengjang, etc); Ukhrul (Phadang, Somdal, Tuinem, Tora Hill top, Champhung, Thawai Kuki, Mongkot Chepu, Songphel, Lamlai Chingphei, Zaolen Chepu, etc); Kangpokpi (Nepali Aisan, Somphung, general area of Saikul, Changsang, Koubru Hills, etc) and Senapati (Senapati Willong hill range, etc).

Considering the alarming upsurge in illicit poppy cultivation in the district, the District Administration and SP Kangpokpi jointly organized the awareness programme at District Police Headquarters, Kangpokpi, today.

The event was graced by DGP, LM.Khaute, IPS, L Kailun, IPS, ADGP(L/O), L Kipgen, IPS, IGP Zone-II, K Jayanta, IPS, IGP Zone-III, W Basu, SP NAB, A Anth, , SP NCB, Esther L Serto, IFS, DFO Kangpokpi, Capt Rachit Pande, Post Commander 38 AR Saikul, Capt Hari, Post Commander 38 AR Kangpokpi, DC Kangpokpi Lalithambigai Kalidas and Hemant Pandey, SP Kangpokpi as dignitaries.

Over 150 representatives from civil society organizations, Church leaders, village chiefs and student body also attended the programme among others.

While addressing her welcome speech, DC Kangpokpi, Lalithambigai Kalidas, reaffirmed the commitment of District Administration to spread awareness on the adverse impact of illegal poppy cultivation in the district and society at large.

DGP, LM Khaute, in his keynote address, also highlighted the problem drugs pose on the society.

SP NAB, W Basu, delivered a PowerPoint presentation on illicit cultivation of poppy plantation where he underscored the fact that uncontrolled illicit poppy cultivation will result in more heroin production in the State while highlighting the achievement of NAB in the destruction of poppy fields in the State in the last four years.