8 acres of poppy fields destroyed in Arunachal

Itanagar: Security forces have destroyed several acres of poppy cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district, officials said, reports Joken Ete.Longding SP Dekio Gumja on Sunday said at least 8 acres of poppy fields were cleared in a joint operation by the police, CRPF, SFT, and other agencies at Votnu and Khasa villages, near the India-Myanmar border between border pillars 157 and 158.The drive, overseen by the Pangchau circle executive magistrate, was carried out after a survey with the cooperation of village authorities. Drones were deployed for surveillance and aerial mapping.The SP said no case has been registered against the cultivators, noting that villagers are unaware of the illegality of poppy farming.He stressed the need to sensitise communities about the dangers of drugs and promote alternative, sustainable agricultural practices.Officials added that most farmers grow poppy for self-consumption, with the practice rooted in local tradition, and many remain unaware of its link to the illegal trade.The SP lauded the coordinated efforts of the executive magistrate, police, CRPF, and other forces, calling the operation a commendable step toward curbing drug-related activities in the border region.