Poppy cultivation in 20 acres destroyed

Imphal: With a view to espouse the vision of chief minister N. Biren Singh to realise a drug free Manipur, the District Administration, Ukhrul led by Krishna Kumar, deputy commissioner, Ukhrul along with  Ningshem Vashum, SP of Ukhrul and a team comprising of 6th MR, SDO/ LM Block surveyed and destroyed poppy plantation in more than 20 acres of land at Ringui village under Lungchong Meiphai sub- division on Wednesday.

Many illegal materials used for the plantation of poppy cultivations were also seized by the visiting team and actions will be initiated against the defaulting villagers, said district information officer in a press release.

Awareness campaign on alternative livelihood was also held at Ringui (Tungou) village and neighbouring non poppy cultivating Teinem village. Seeds and manures under District Agriculture and Horticulture and Soil Conservation department, Ukhrul were distributed during mass awareness campaign.

The District Administration will strive to bring about a drug free atmosphere in the district and engage wholeheartedly to provide alternative livelihood to the beneficiaries of poppy plantation, the release said.