Manipur’s War on Drugs campaign has sparked conflict as a mob, reportedly led by Kuki Inpi President Ch. Ajang Khongsai, obstructed a major operation against illegal poppy cultivation. The government has vowed to continue its crackdown, emphasizing that no one is above the law. As Khongsai faces action, concerns over rising tensions in the region loom large, threatening to deepen divisions between the state and the Kuki community.
BY PC Bureau
In a move that could pit the entire Kuki community against the Biren Singh government, the authorities have decided to take “strict” action against Ch. Ajang Khongsai, the President of Kuki Inpi, Manipur, for his alleged involvement in disrupting a key operation aimed at destroying illegal poppy cultivation in Lhungjang Village on Friday. The village, located in Kangpokpi District, is Khongsai’s native home, and the operation took place under his purported influence.
An FIR has been filed at Saikul Police Station in response to the incident, and the government has condemned the violent actions of the mob “in the strongest terms.”
MAJOR CRACKDOWN IN KANGPOKPI: 45 ACRES OF POPPY PLANTATIONS DESTROYED!
In a significant blow to drug cartels, security forces destroyed 45 acres of illicit poppy plantations in Kangpokpi district today. The operation, led by Kangpokpi District Police, CRPF, and an Executive… pic.twitter.com/dESqA52qnG
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) January 31, 2025
“Legal action will be taken against all those involved, including Shri Ajang Khongsai, who is linked to both the village and the disruption of the drive,” states a press release issued by the Directorate of Information, Public Relations, Manipur.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has already emphasized the government’s firm stance on combating illegal drug cultivation. “We will not tolerate any attempts to obstruct our efforts to rid Manipur of the drug menace,” he has said.
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Background:
As part of the ongoing War on Drugs campaign, a joint team of the Kangpokpi District Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Executive Magistrate conducted a large-scale poppy destruction drive. The operation, led by Superintendent of Police, Kangpokpi, Manoj Prabhakar, was aimed at targeting the illegal poppy cultivation that serves as a source for illicit opium production, the release said.
The operation faced violent resistance when a large mob, reportedly linked to Khongsai’s influence in the area, gathered and forcibly halted the destruction. Armed with sticks, the mob vandalized three police vehicles and threatened law enforcement personnel.
“Despite the aggression from the mob, the combined team was resolute and destroyed approximately 45 acres of illegal poppy cultivation,” the government’s press release stated. A reinforcement team led by SP Kangpokpi arrived quickly to control the situation and ensure the continuation of the operation.
An FIR has been filed at Saikul Police Station in response to the incident, and the government has condemned the violent actions of the mob “in the strongest terms.” Legal action will be taken against all those involved, including Shri Ajang Khongsai, who is linked to both the village and the disruption of the drive.
Tensions with the Kuki Community:
The government’s decision to target Khongsai, a prominent figure within the Kuki community, has the potential to escalate tensions between the state government and the Kuki Inpi. Khongsai holds significant political power, and his alleged involvement in this incident may further deepen divisions in the region. A source within the Kuki Inpi expressed concern that the government’s action could lead to unrest. “This will only create more friction between the Kuki people and the state government,” they said, stressing the potential for negative fallout among those who view the government’s crackdown as unfairly targeting their community.
