FIR filed against Kuki Inpi Manipur president over mob violence during poppy destruction drive

Imphal: Manipur Police has registered an FIR against the president of Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) (Kuki apex body) who is also the convenor of Kuki-Zou, a Kuki body, in connection with the damage of vehicles of security forces who were on the way to poppy destruction, by the people of Lhungjang village on Friday.

Manipur government said as part of the ongoing “War on Drugs” campaign, a joint team comprising Kangpokpi district police, the CRPF, and an executive magistrate, under the overall supervision of superintendent of police Kangpokpi, Manoj Prabhakar, conducted a poppy destruction drive in the hill range of Lhungjang village under Saikul police stationbon that day.

Lhungjang village is the native village of Ch. Ajang Khongsai, president of Kuki Inpi Manipur.

“The operation targeted a large tract of land used for poppy cultivation, which has been identified as a key source for the production of illicit opium. Despite the authorities’ clear intentions to enforce the law and combat the drug menace in the region, the drive was met with violent opposition,” a government statement read.

A large mob armed with sticks gathered at the site, forcibly halting the operation. Taking advantage of the limited number of police personnel, the mob vandalized three police vehicles and threatened officers to stop the destruction drive.

The situation quickly escalated, prompting a reinforcement team led by SP Kangpokpi to rush to the spot to control the mob, restore order, and ensure the continuation of the operation.

Despite the aggression and threats posed by the mob, the combined team remained resolute and successfully destroyed approximately 45 acres of illegal poppy cultivation.

An FIR has been registered at Saikul police station.

“The government takes the incident very seriously and strongly condemns the mob violence. Strict legal action will be taken against all those involved, including Ajang Khongsai, who is linked to both the village and the incident.”

The government reaffirmed its commitment to continue the crackdown on illicit poppy cultivation across the state and warned that any attempts to obstruct the “War on Drugs” campaign would not be tolerated.