Imphal: Manipur Police have drawn up a comprehensive plan to eliminate illegal poppy cultivation across 516 villages in 10 districts, with support from central security forces, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo said.

Addressing a press briefing, Lhatoo said on Tuesday that the state government was stepping up its campaign against drug networks, which he described as major sources of funding for regional conflict and criminal activities.

He warned that strict legal action would be taken against everyone involved in illegal poppy cultivation, including landowners. The ADGP also appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities, highlighting the environmental and health consequences of commercial poppy farming.

He said illegal cultivation contributes to forest destruction, environmental degradation and water contamination, besides posing serious public health risks.

On the recent killing of two Kuki youths from Taphou Kuki village, whose bodies were recovered from a forested area in Senapati district, around 14 km from the national highway, Lhatoo said a proposal to transfer the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was at an advanced stage.

He confirmed that an FIR had been registered and witnesses questioned. Joint teams comprising state police, the CRPF, CoBRA, BSF, Assam Rifles and the Army have also launched intensive search operations to track down those responsible.

The ADGP further disclosed that police had identified more than 30 suspects allegedly linked to serious crimes across Manipur. These include abductions, attacks in fringe areas, ambushes targeting security forces and the killings of women, children and religious leaders.

Lhatoo said additional CRPF personnel had been sought from the Centre to strengthen security in vulnerable areas, including Govajang. The personnel are expected to arrive shortly, while security contingents have already moved into the Chalwa area.

Regarding alleged extortion activities along National Highway 37, he said joint security forces were conducting continuous operations to ensure the safe movement of convoys.

He also urged the public not to obstruct security personnel during operations against extortion networks.