In a bold move, Kuki tribal leaders have called for an immediate end to poppy farming and drug trafficking, vowing zero tolerance for offenders.
BY PC Bureau
April 28, 2025 – The Kuki Chief Association of Tengnoupal District in Manipur has reiterated its firm stance against poppy cultivation and the illicit drug trade, reinforcing a 2024 resolution aimed at curbing these activities. In a public notice dated April 27, 2025, the association outlined stringent penalties for offenders, signaling a zero-tolerance policy to protect the community from the growing menace of drug-related activities.
The notice specifies a two-tier penalty system for individuals found engaging in poppy cultivation or the drug trade. First-time offenders will face a customary Kuki fine, which includes the sacrifice of a pig as an apology to the community and a monetary penalty of Rs 1 lakh.
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Repeat offenders, however, will face severe consequences, including ostracism and permanent expulsion from Tengnoupal District. The association emphasized that it will take decisive action against violators and warned that no individual or group should hold the Kuki Chief Association accountable for enforcing these measures.
Rising Concerns Over Drug Use in Tengnoupal
Tengnoupal, Â bordering Myanmar, has been grappling with the challenges of illegal poppy cultivation and drug trafficking, which have fueled substance abuse and related social issues. Local authorities and community leaders have reported a troubling rise in drug use, particularly among the youth, with substances like opium and heroin becoming increasingly accessible.
In two separate operation last month, security  personnel acting on specific intelligence inputs launched coordinated eradication drives  destroyed 15 acres of poppy plantations in the hill ranges of Khudei Laipham on March 1. In another operation on March 4, they destroyed  another 20 acres at the hill ranges of Loikong
Tengnoupal’s proximity to the Myanmar border makes it a vulnerable corridor for drug trafficking, with poppy cultivation often linked to insurgent groups and organized crime. According to a 2024 report by the Manipur State Narcotics Department, the state recorded over 1,200 drug-related arrests in the past two years, with Tengnoupal accounting for a significant share.
The Kuki Chief Association’s resolution aligns with broader efforts by the Manipur government and central agencies to eradicate poppy cultivation and disrupt drug networks. In 2024, the state launched an awareness campaign targeting rural areas, alongside alternative livelihood programs for farmers to discourage poppy farming.
As Tengnoupal navigates this complex issue, the association’s actions send a clear message: the fight against drugs is a collective responsibility, and those who jeopardize the community’s well-being will face serious consequences.
