Mail News Service
Imphal, Dec 30: Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)and a combined team of 38 Assam Rifles and 46 Assam Rifles of 27 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of ‘Red Shield Division’ launched a massive operation on the higher reaches, South of Aina in the Thanlon Sub-Division of Churachandpur district for destruction of standing poppy cultivation. The operation will continue into first week January where in the team will destroy the fields in a phased manner so as to ensure no remnants are resuscitated.
The operation was launched keeping in view the illegal drug trafficking and the long term effects on the rising number of the youth affected by the drug addiction. It had also become a lucrative money spinner for drug smugglers and the trend had to be curbed, more so since the part of the money from the produce is siphoned off to various insurgents groups. Keeping the financial impact on the farmers in mind, the farmers will also be compensated by allocating alternative for crops and incentives as also the locals will be educated on the ills of drugs.
It is pertinent to mention that Manipur is one of the major feeders of drug industry. The extensive Anti Narcotics operation carried out by 27 Sector Assam Rifles has given a big blow to the Narco industry by destroying poppy fields to the tune of approx 750 acres and still continuing.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/poppy-crop-destroyed/
