Imphal, Feb 18 : The Red shield Division in collaboration with Narcotics Control Bureau and the Manipur Police had destroyed a total of 15 acres of Ganja and 35 acres of opium poppy plantation in different places in the hill districts of Manipur during a week long drive.

A press release from PIB (DW) informed that Manipur with its proximity to the "Golden Triangle," widespread militancy, lack of employment opportunities, hilly terrain and porous border with Myanmar has of late become a haven for opium and Ganja cultivation.

The Red Shield Division as part of its drive to freeze this source of funding to militant groups and to get rid of this social evil have long with the Narcotics Control Bureau and the State Police been carrying out a drive to destroy opium and Ganja cultivation areas in the hill districts of the state cultivation areas on the Thangjing hill range in the area of Hengkot, Iril river banks in general area Saikul and the Thinbunglang ridge in Thinghat sub division were destroyed in a week long drive, the press release informed.

Meanwhile, our Ukhrul correspondent reports that in its endeavor to eradicate the menace of illegal Ganja cultivation and its trafficking from Ukhrul District, 17 Assam Rifles, under the aegis of HQ 10 Sector, carried out destruction of standing Ganja cultivation in the fields and burning of stored Ganja at various locations in its area of responsibility on February 14 and 15, a press release from the 17 AR stated.

It said, this campaign, which was to ensure that Ukhrul district does not turn into a haven for drug smugglers and producers, was carried out in conjunction with personnel of Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB) department.

In persuasion of the same, 17 AR has been in the recent past forwarding details to civil authorities of areas in the District where rampant cultivation of Ganja has been found.

The unit by way of establishing random check posts has been involved in checking and control of trans-shipment of the drug within and out of the district and apprehension of persons involved in the trade.

The press release further stated that of late, the government's anti-drug units along with Security Force personnel have been reaching out to people to emphasize upon them the ills of Ganja cultivation.

17 AR under HQ 10 Sector in its effort to propagate this idea has been spreading awareness amongst the locals on the harmful effects of drugs.

As part of the campaign, 17 AR and NAB, a unit under Manipur Police Department, hacked down Ganja cultivation in the vicinity of villages of Somdal, Huimi, New Huimi, Phungcham and Tuinem.

Approximately 12 acres of cultivation and approximately 1000-1200 kg of raw Ganja were destroyed during the process.