The decision to ban poppy cultivation was adopted at a district-wide CSO meeting in Kuki-Zo dominated Kangpokpi district of Manipur and reinforced through consultations with village chiefs and traditional leaders.
BY PC Bureau
December 23, 2025: In a landmark decision, civil society organisations (CSOs) across Kangpokpi district have declared a complete ban on poppy cultivation with effect from January 1, 2026, marking one of the most decisive community-led anti-narcotics initiatives in Manipur.
The resolution was adopted at a cabinet meeting of all CSOs of Sadar Hills, held on December 5, 2025, at Kangpokpi. The meeting brought together a wide cross-section of civil society, including the Sadar Hills Chiefs’ Association (SAHILCA), Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills (KISH), all tribal organisations of the district, student bodies, youth clubs and women’s organisations.
According to the joint declaration issued on Monday, the decision to halt poppy cultivation was taken unanimously in view of its social, environmental, economic and moral consequences, and reflects what the CSOs described as the collective will of the people of Kangpokpi district.
To ensure that the resolution does not remain merely symbolic, the CSOs subsequently carried out a series of district-wide consultations involving village authorities and traditional leaders. These consultations were aimed at building consensus and ensuring effective enforcement on the ground.
The first meeting was held on December 10, 2025, involving CSOs of Kangpokpi district at Kangpokpi town. This was followed by a joint meeting on December 16, 2025, with CSOs and village chiefs from Southwest Sadar Hills, Gamgiphai–Taphou area and Twilang area at Bongmol village. A third consultation took place on December 19, 2025, at Saikul Community Hall, bringing together CSOs and village chiefs from Ukhrul, Bungpi area and Saikul area.
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The declaration states that across all these meetings, every participating CSO and village chief unanimously pledged and committed to ensure that poppy cultivation would be completely discontinued within their respective jurisdictions from 2026 onwards.
Issuing a firm warning, the CSOs said any village chief or authority found violating or failing to comply with the resolutions adopted in these public meetings would face “strict and decisive action” as collectively resolved by civil society.
The CSOs emphasised that the decision was taken in the larger public interest, with a focus on safeguarding land, protecting future generations and preserving social harmony in the district. They described the declaration as a united stand by the people of Kangpokpi against activities that threaten community well-being and long-term stability.
The joint declaration was signed by the Information Secretary on behalf of the Civil Society Organisations of Kangpokpi District.
