Vast tracts of poppy plants destroyed at Cdl, Kpi Two more village chiefs netted

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 5 : Continuing its renewed drive against  poppy plantations and as part of the War on Drug campaign luanched by the State Government, security forces destroyed poppies grown in around 50 acre of land in two days (January 4 and 5) in Chandel and Kangpokpi districts and arrested two village chiefs for their alleged involvement.
The two village chiefs arrested by police have been identified as Satlal Khongsai (57) chief of S Saikot village, Kangpokpi and chief of Kholen village, Kangpokpi Satkhohao Kipgen (36), s/o Ngamthang Kipgen.
Reportedly, these two persons were arrested in continuation of the poppy destruction drive carried out from December 30, 2022  at the hill range of Sehjang village.
A regular case has been registered against them at Kangpokpi police station.
Meanwhile, a team of Chandel police, 8th Battalion Manipur Rifles and 15 Assam Rifles destroyed 35 acres of poppy plantations at Kholmunlel and Khongtal areas under Chakpikarong sub-division of Chandel district today.
It is said that the combined team which is currently camping at Khongtal to continue the drive has recovered 2.5 kg of opium from a nearby hut during the destruction drive and burnt down 10 huts.
Yesterday, Kangpokpi police along with SDO Saikul and NAB and  Forest officials also carried out a poppy destruction drive at Pangjang village and destroyed around 15 acres of poppy  plantations.