135th Manipur Police Raising Day observed 3000 acres of poppy plantation destroyed in last one year : CM

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 19 : The 135th Raising Day of Manipur Police was observed today at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Imphal.
Addressing the function as chief guest, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh  said that the State Government is committed to dismantleing the drug networks operating across Manipur and curb the menace of drug trafficking.
He also stated that around 3,000 acres of illegal poppy cultivation had been destroyed, 307 cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and 467 drug traffickers arrested in the State over the past year
He said that people of Manipur had often questioned the Government's actions under the 'War on Drugs' campaign on social media platforms and in newspapers.
However, he asserted that the Government remains committed to combating illegal poppy cultivation and drug trafficking in the State.
The Chief Minister also said that the State Government continues to work towards maintaining peace and harmony among all communities.
Expressing concern over the harmful impact of drug trafficking on the lives and future of the youth, he added that the police and other agencies are 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 crisis that erupted on May 3, 2023, had led some youths to take up arms.
He emphasised that the State Government, in close coordination with security forces, has been taking concerted efforts to restore peace and stability in the State.
These sustained efforts had also encouraged the voluntary surrender of arms, he said.
He further highlighted that homecoming ceremonies had been organised for cadres of two proscribed groups, KCP-PWG and KCP-Taibanganba, as part of ongoing efforts to promote peace, reconciliation and a return to normalcy in the State.
Khemchand said that the Government takes the attempts by drug cartels to lure youths into drug use amid the effort to restore normalcy in the State very seriously.
The Chief Minister appealed to all sections of society and political parties to foster a culture of appreciating good deeds while pointing out wrongdoings to rectifying them.
He emphasised that undue criticism would only undermine the State's progress and would in no way contribute to the restoration of peace.
Khemchand 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 including 60 light bulletproof vehicles and 15 mine-protected vehicles have been procured for Manipur police, he said.
In sports, he said State police personnel have brought laurels to Manipur through their remarkable achievements.
These include Additional Superintendent of Police S Mirabai Chanu, who won a gold medal at the recent 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.
Delivering his speech, Director General of Police (DGP) Mukesh Singh stated that Manipur police had stood firm against complex challenges, ranging from decades of counter-insurgency operations to rapidly changing societal, demographic and technological demands.
When unprecedented ethnic violence broke out in May 2023, Manipur police, along with the Central Armed Police Forces, the Army and Assam Rifles, had immediately taken up frontline duties to protect lives and public property, he said.
He also claimed that the law and order situation in Manipur has improved gradually due to the sustained efforts of Manipur police and Central forces.
The DGP further stated that passenger vehicle services have resumed along the Imphal–Guwahati route under the escort of security forces.
Mukesh Singh further stated that security forces had seized over 9,000 arms and 6,500 explosives since May 3, 2023, including around 2,218 arms of various types and 1,692 explosives over the past year.
The DGP further stated that 42 cadres of KCP (PWG) and 46 cadres of KCP (Taibanganba) had laid down their arms in July and August, respectively.
On the 'War on Drugs' campaign, he said that security forces had seized around 43 kg of heroin, 457 kg of opium, 98 kg of brown sugar, over 62,000 contraband tablets and 350 kg of WY tablets over the past year.
The DGP further said that around 402 persons were arrested over the past one year in extortion related cases.
A total of 13 contingents participated in the March Past during the celebration, while the Chief Minister presented awards to outstanding battalions, police stations and personnel.
The Manipur Police Best Battalion Award 2026 was conferred on the 2nd Battalion, Manipur Rifles. The Second Best Battalion Award 2026 was jointly awarded to the 4th Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and the 5th Battalion, Manipur Rifles, while the Third Best Battalion Award 2026 went to the 10th IRB.
The Best Police Station Award 2026 was conferred on Bishnupur Police Station in Bishnupur district. The Second Best Police Station Award 2026 was jointly awarded to Lamphel Police Station in Imphal West district and Senapati Police Station in Senapati district.
The Third Best Police Station Award 2026 was jointly conferred on Women Police Station, Churachandpur and Waikhong Police Station in Kakching district.
The Best Police Officer Award 2026 was presented to Women Sub-Inspector Horthingwon Lungleng of Women Police Station, Ukhrul district, while the Second Best Police Officer Award 2026 was conferred on Assistant Sub-Inspector Rajkumar Chinglensana of City Police Station, Imphal West district.
During the function, Commandant of the 1st Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), Churachandpur, Paukhanmung Guite, served as the Parade Commander.
He is the first police officer belonging to the Kuki-Zo community to participate as Parade Commander at a State function in Imphal since the outbreak of the crisis in 2023.
The observance was attended by Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs, Chief Secretary and senior police officials, among others.