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Destruction of illegal poppy fields intensified in Manipur

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After U.S. President Barack Obama raised the issue of religious intolerance in India, The New York Times published a very strong editorial criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what it calls his “dangerous silence” on a series of communal events in the country. The editorial, by the NYT editorial board, lists recent attacks on churches and reports of Ghar Vapsi or conversion and marks out the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) for its proposed conversions programme in Ayodhya in March this year, saying the group “was playing with fire.” “Mr. Modi’s continued silence before such troubling intolerance increasingly gives the impression that he either cannot or does not wish to control the fringe elements of the Hindu nationalist right,” the NYT editorial surmised. Full text of the Editorial published in the New York Times on February 6, 2015: What will it take for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak out about the mounting violence against India’s religious minorities? Attacks at Christian places of worship have prompted no response from the man elected to represent and to protect all of India’s citizens. Nor has he addressed the mass conversion to Hinduism of Christians and Muslims who have been coerced or promised money. Mr. Modi’s continued silence before such troubling intolerance increasingly gives the impression that he either cannot or does not wish to control the fringe elements of the Hindu nationalist right. Recently, a number of Christian churches in India have been burned and ransacked. Last December, St. Sebastian’s Church in East Delhi was engulfed in fire. Its pastor reported a strong smell of kerosene after the blaze was put out. On Monday, St. Alphonsa’s Church in New Delhi was vandalised. Ceremonial vessels were taken, yet collection boxes full of cash were untouched. Alarmed by the attacks, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has urged the government to uphold the secular nature of India and to assure its Christians they are “protected and secure” in their own country. There is also concern about the mass conversions. Last December, about 200 Muslims were converted to Hinduism in Agra. In January, up to 100 Christians in West Bengal “reconverted” to Hinduism. Hard-line Hindu nationalist groups, like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), make no secret of their support for a “homecoming” campaign designed to “return” non-Hindus to the fold. More than 80 per cent of Indians are Hindu, but Pravin Togadia of the VHP says his organisation’s goal is a country that is 100 per cent Hindu. The only way to achieve that is to deny religious minorities their faith. The VHP is reportedly planning a mass conversion of 3,000 Muslims in Ayodhya this month. The destruction of the Babri Mosque there in 1992 by Hindu militants touched off riots between Hindus and Muslims across India that left more than 2,000 people dead. The VHP knows it is playing with fire. Mr. Modi has promised an ambitious agenda for India’s development. But, as President Obama observed in a speech in New Delhi last month: “India will succeed so long as it is not splintered along the lines of religious faith.” Mr. Modi needs to break his deafening silence on religious intolerance.

Destruction of illegal poppy fields intensified in Manipur

## Manipur Intensifies Crackdown on Illicit Poppy Cultivation

**Imphal, Manipur** – Security forces in Manipur have concluded a five-day operation targeting illegal poppy cultivation in the districts of Kangpokpi and Ukhrul, resulting in the destruction of poppy fields spread across a significant 476 acres. The operation signals a renewed and intensified effort by the state government to combat the burgeoning illicit drug trade and its detrimental impact on the region.

The coordinated campaign, involving state police and paramilitary forces, focused on dismantling the infrastructure supporting poppy cultivation. In addition to the eradication of the poppy plants themselves, security personnel destroyed makeshift shelters and equipment used in the cultivation and processing of the illicit crop. This comprehensive approach aims to cripple the entire supply chain, from cultivation to potential trafficking.

The scale of the operation underscores the severity of the problem facing Manipur. The state has witnessed a concerning rise in illegal poppy cultivation in recent years, driven by the lucrative profits associated with opium production. This has not only fueled the drug trade but also contributed to deforestation, environmental degradation, and social instability in affected areas.

Law enforcement officials cite the difficult terrain and remote locations of the poppy fields as major challenges in combating the illicit activity. Cultivation often occurs in dense forests and mountainous regions, making access difficult and requiring significant logistical planning. The operation in Kangpokpi and Ukhrul involved meticulous coordination and the deployment of specialized units equipped to navigate the challenging landscape.

The destruction of these poppy fields represents a significant blow to the illegal drug network operating in the region. However, authorities acknowledge that this is only one step in a long and complex battle. Sustained efforts are crucial to prevent the re-emergence of poppy cultivation and to address the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to its prevalence.

The state government has pledged to implement a multi-pronged strategy that includes providing alternative livelihood opportunities for farmers involved in poppy cultivation. This involves promoting the cultivation of alternative crops, offering skill development programs, and facilitating access to markets. The aim is to provide viable economic alternatives that discourage participation in the illegal drug trade.

Furthermore, the government is focusing on strengthening law enforcement capabilities, improving intelligence gathering, and enhancing inter-agency coordination. This includes working closely with local communities to build trust and encourage cooperation in identifying and reporting instances of illegal poppy cultivation.

The success of this recent operation in Kangpokpi and Ukhrul demonstrates the government’s commitment to tackling the problem head-on. However, the fight against illegal poppy cultivation in Manipur is far from over. A sustained and coordinated effort, involving law enforcement, government agencies, and local communities, is essential to eradicate this menace and create a more secure and prosperous future for the state. The long-term solution lies not only in suppressing the supply of opium but also in addressing the demand and providing sustainable alternatives for those involved in the illicit trade. Only through a comprehensive and holistic approach can Manipur hope to break the cycle of drug production and its associated consequences.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.

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