CHRONICLE NEWS SERVICE
IMPHAL: Days after security forces destroyed over 600 acres of illicit poppy cultivation in Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts, the ‘Cabinet Meeting’ of All Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Kangpokpi district, held on December 5 resolved to completely halt poppy cultivation across the district with effect from the New Year 2026.
The CSOs included the Sadar Hills Chiefs' Association (SAHILCA), Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills (KISH), all tribal organisations of the district, student bodies, women's organisations, youth clubs, etc.
To ensure that this landmark resolution is not merely declaratory but fully enforceable on the ground, the CSOs of Kangpokpi district subsequently undertook a series of inclusive, consultative, and district-wide dialogues involving all stakeholders, particularly village authorities and traditional leaders.
These included a meeting of CSOs at Kangpokpi on December 10, a joint consultation with village chiefs from Southwest Sadar Hills, Gamgiphai–Taphou and Twilang areas at Bongmol village on December 16, and another joint meeting with village chiefs from Ukhrul, Bungpi and Saikul areas at the Saikul community hall on December 19.
Across all these meetings, every participating CSO and village chief unanimously pledged and committed that poppy cultivation would be completely banned in their respective jurisdictions from 2026 onwards.
The CSOs said that the decision was taken in the larger public interest, citing the adverse social, environmental, economic and moral consequences associated with poppy cultivation, and described it as a reflection of the collective will of the people of Kangpokpi district.
The CSOs further made it unequivocally clear that any village chief or authority found violating or failing to comply with the resolutions adopted in these public meetings would face strict and decisive action, as resolved collectively by the civil society.
The declaration marks what the CSOs described as a firm and united stand by the people of Kangpokpi district to protect their land, social harmony, and the future of coming generations.
The declaration for prohibiting cultivation of poppy was preceded by security forces decimating over 600 acres of illicit poppy cultivation in the hill district. According to police reports, security personnel destroyed a total of 42 acres of poppy plantation in Kangpokpi district at L Simol, Jangnomphai and SP Ngaimun areas on Saturday.
In separate operations, around 559 acres of poppy plantations were destroyed from December 16 to 20 in different locations of Ukhrul district, including Yaolen, Lamlai Chingphei, Shongphel, Mullam, Torah, Champhung, Teinem, Phalee and Changta.
Three FIRs have been registered, as part of the drive against poppy plantation, according to the police. In addition to the extensive eradication of poppy plantations, authorities destroyed 82 huts found at plantation sites, seized numerous poppy pods, and seized miscellaneous contraband and equipment used in narcotics cultivation.
During the anti-poppy drives in Kangpokpi district, security forces recovered or destroyed 20 huts, 15 packets of salt, 5 kilograms of fertilizer, 5 litres of herbicide, and 5 kilograms of poppy seeds used for cultivation.
Authorities emphasised that these destruction drives are part of a sustained effort, urging local populations to cooperate to ensure lasting success in eradication efforts, and signalling continued regulatory and enforcement actions mandated by the government’s ongoing campaign to curb illicit narcotics production in the region.