Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Manipur officials wiped out 3,000 acres of illegal poppy crops over the past year. Authorities registered 307 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and arrested 467 alleged traffickers. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced these figures during the 135th Manipur Police Raising Day held at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal. The force remains committed to dismantling drug networks despite public criticism.
Paukhanmung Guite, Commandant of the 1st Indian Reserve Battalion in Churachandpur, led the parade. He is the first officer from the Kuki-Zo community to serve as parade commander at a state function since the ethnic violence began in May 2023. Addressing the crowd, Singh noted that the crisis drove some youths to pick up weapons. He pushed for reconciliation, citing recent homecoming ceremonies for cadres of the KCP-PWG and KCP-Taibanganba groups.
The government is upgrading the police force under the Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police scheme. Officials are buying 477 new vehicles. This order includes 60 light bulletproof units and 15 mine-protected vehicles. Singh urged unity, stating, "Criticism should contribute to correcting mistakes and restoring peace."
DGP Mukesh Singh reflected on the force’s role during the 2023 violence. He noted that the police, alongside the Army, Assam Rifles, and Central Armed Police Forces, held the frontline to protect property and lives. The ceremony featured 13 march-past contingents and various awards.
The 2nd Battalion, Manipur Rifles took the Best Battalion Award. The 4th Indian Reserve Battalion and the 5th Battalion, Manipur Rifles shared second place, while the 10th Indian Reserve Battalion placed third. Bishnupur Police Station earned the title of Best Police Station. Lamphel and Senapati stations tied for second, while the Women Police Station in Churachandpur and Waikhong Police Station tied for third.
Sub-Inspector Horthingwon Lungleng of the Women Police Station in Ukhrul took home the Best Police Officer award. Assistant Sub-Inspector Rajkumar Chinglensana of City Police Station in Imphal West took second. The event also highlighted sporting success, including Additional Superintendent S. Mirabai Chanu, a Commonwealth gold medalist and 2026 Asian Games silver medalist, and Deputy Superintendent N. Roshibina Devi, who won silver in Wushu at the 2026 Asian Games.
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