Imphal, Oct 19 (IANS) Manipur has destroyed around 3,000 acres of illegal poppy cultivation, registered 307 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and arrested 467 drug traffickers over the past year, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said on Monday.
Addressing the 135th Raising Day of the Manipur Police at the First Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground here, the Chief Minister said the state government had launched a ‘War on Drugs’ campaign to combat drug trafficking and eradicate illegal poppy cultivation and highlighted the Manipur Police’s role in the efforts to tackle drug-related activities and maintain law and order.
Noting that some people in Manipur have often questioned the government’s actions under the ‘War on Drugs’ campaign on social media platforms and in newspapers, he asserted that it is committed to combating illegal poppy cultivation and drug trafficking in the state.
Khemchand Singh maintained that as part of the state government’s continued efforts to maintain peace and harmony among all communities residing in the state, the government is also concerned over the harmful impact of drug trafficking on the lives and future of the youth.
He further stated that the police and other agencies concerned were closely monitoring the situation and intensifying efforts to identify, trace and dismantle drug networks operating across the state.
The Chief Minister stated that the unprecedented ethnic hostilities that erupted on May 3, 2023, have led some youths to take up arms. He emphasised that the state government, in close coordination with the security forces, had undertaken concerted efforts to restore peace and stability and bring tensions under control. These sustained efforts had also encouraged the voluntary surrender of arms.
He further highlighted that homecoming ceremonies had been organised for cadres of two proscribed groups, namely KCP-PWG and KCP-Taibanganba, as part of the ongoing efforts to promote peace, reconciliation and a return to normalcy in the state.
Khemchand Singh appealed to all sections of society and all political parties in the state to foster a culture of appreciating good deeds and pointing out wrongdoings with a view to rectifying them. He emphasised that undue criticism would only further undermine the progress of the state and would in no way contribute to the restoration of peace in the state.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to modernising and strengthening the state police force.
Under the Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police (ASUMP) Scheme, 477 vehicles were being procured, including 60 light bulletproof vehicles and 15 mine-protected vehicles, to enhance operational efficiency and preparedness.
In the field of sports, state police personnel have brought laurels to the state through their remarkable achievements. These include Additional Superintendent of Police Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, who won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and a silver medal in weightlifting at the 2026 Asian Games, and Deputy Superintendent of Police N. Roshibina Devi, who won a silver medal in Wushu at the 2026 Asian Games.
In his speech, Director General of Police Mukesh Singh said that since 2008, they had proudly celebrated October 19 as the collective Raising Day of the entire Manipur Police family.
“Throughout our history, this force has stood firm against complex challenges. From decades of counter-insurgency to rapidly changing societal demographic and technological demands,” he added.
The DGP said that when unprecedented ethnic violence broke out in May 2023, the Manipur Police, with the Central Armed Police Forces, the Army, and the Assam Rifles, immediately stood on the frontline to protect lives and public property.
During the celebration, a total of 13 contingents participated in the March Past, while the Chief Minister presented various awards to outstanding battalions, police stations and police personnel for their exemplary performance and dedication to duty.
The Manipur Police Best Battalion Award 2026 was conferred on the 2nd Battalion, Manipur Rifles. The Best Police Station Award 2026 was conferred on Bishnupur Police Station, Bishnupur District. The Best Police Officer Award 2026 was presented to Women Sub-Inspector Horthingwon Lungleng of Women Police Station, Ukhrul District.
The celebration was attended by Manipur Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, MLAs, Chief Secretary and high-ranking police officials, among others.
–IANS
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