56 Acres of Illegal Poppy Cultivation Eradicated in Manipur’s Kangpokpi District

Security forces in Manipur destroyed approximately 56 acres of illegal opium-poppy cultivation on November 12, 2025 in Kangpokpi district, targeting fields located between the Thonglang Akutpa and Songjang Hill ranges and in the Awlmun village area under Kangchup Police Station. Nineteen farm huts were demolished, ten bags of fertiliser and nine sacks of salt (used in cultivation/processing) were seized and destroyed as part of the crackdown.  

On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Manipur’s security forces conducted a coordinated operation in Kangpokpi district aimed at eradicating illegal poppy cultivation. The fields spanned about 56 acres (roughly 22.7 ha).  

Key locations identified were:

• The adjoining terrain between Thonglang Akutpa and Songjang Hill ranges

• Awlmun village, under the jurisdiction of Kangchup Police Station.  

During the action:

• 19 farm huts — believed to be used for cultivation, shelter and processing — were destroyed.  

• 10 bags of fertiliser and 9 sacks of salt were seized and destroyed. Fertiliser and salt suggest inputs used either for enhancing yields or processing opium.  

This marks a significant push under the state’s “War on Drugs” initiative targeting the nexus of poppy cultivation in remote hill zones.