Poppy cultivation destructed at Koubru Hill Range

Imphal: In continuation of the Maniourv government’s effort on “War on drugs”, a combined team of Kangpokpi Forest Division, Kangpokpi Police, NAB, 22nd Assam Rifles and 5th IRB, a total of 140 personnel, carried out destruction of illegal poppy cultivation at Koubru Hill Range near SP Ngaimun Village inside Kanglatongbi-Kangpokpi Reserved Forest.

A total of 30-35 acres of poppy cultivation was destroyed. Efforts against illegal activities and poppy cultivation will continue, a press by Kangpokpi Forest Division said.

Ganesh, IFS, reiterated that trespassing and breaking up of land inside a reserved forest is against the law as laid down by Indian Forest Act, 1927.

Anybody found violating the law and encroaching into the Reserved Forest will be dealt with as per law, he said.

He reminded that besides the health implications, illegal poppy cultivation also has long lasting effects on ecological balance and if it goes unchecked will lead to irreparable damages, ultimately threatening our very own survival.

The forest officer appealed the public to refrain from participating in any illegal activity inside protected forests and help the government in identifying the culprits responsible for such illegal cultivation.