Imphal (Manipur) [India], January 8 (HBTV): In a joint operation, the Manipur Police, along with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), destroyed poppy cultivation spread over 53 acres in the hill ranges of Kangpokpi district, officials said.
The operation was carried out on Wednesday by teams comprising the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Forest Department and the NCB. Officials said poppy cultivation was destroyed in the hill ranges of Moljol, Tusam, Vaichei-Naphai and surrounding areas.
During the operation, security forces also burnt infrastructure and materials used for poppy cultivation. A total of seven huts, 11 bags of fertilisers, 23 Roundup herbicides and 14 bags of salt were destroyed. Equipment used for poppy cultivation, including spray pumps, pipes, herbicides and other related items, was also destroyed, officials added.
Meanwhile, in a separate drive to curb the illegal installation of modified exhausts on motorbikes, Manipur Police destroyed 23 modified silencer pipes seized in Churachandpur over the past two days.
In December, Manipur Police and security forces carried out multiple operations across the state, leading to the recovery of arms and explosives and the arrest of an extortionist. According to a release from Manipur Police, security forces recovered two improvised mortars and three wireless sets from the Konaitong and Pelyang hill ranges under Machi police station in Tengnoupal district.
Security forces also conducted intelligence-based cordon and search operations in Imphal West district, arresting active cadres of the RPF/PLA. One extortionist, identified as Nongmaithem Narendra Meitei, was arrested from his residence under Lamphel police station. Two mobile phones with two SIM cards and an Aadhaar card were seized from his possession.
Another active cadre of the RPF/PLA, identified as Kshetrimayum Nilakanta Singh, was arrested, and two mobile handsets and a driving licence were recovered, the release said.
(ANI)