The District Magistrate of Ukhrul has issued a public order directing all the Sub-Divisional Magistrates to map out and identify all specific sites, hotspots, pockets, and land tracts within their jurisdictions that have a history of illegal poppy cultivation. It also warned of strict legal action including a penalty to any individual found cultivating, promoting, shielding or facilitating illicit poppy cultivation.
The public notice stated that “in pursuance of the resolution taken in the meeting of the District Level Committee on Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), Ukhrul District held on 17th September, 2026, all Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Ukhrul District are hereby directed to map out and identify all specific sites, hotspots, pockets, and land tracts within their jurisdictions that have a history of illegal poppy cultivation and obtain Undertakings from the concerned Village Chiefs/Headmen/Chairmen/Secretaries for not involving and allowing use of village land for poppy cultivation.”
All Village Chiefs/Headmen/Chairmen/Secretaries and residents of Ukhrul District are hereby notified and cautioned that:
1. Any person found cultivating, promoting, shielding or facilitating illicit poppy cultivation shall be liable for strict legal action, including seizure, destruction of the crop, and prosecution under the NDPS Act;
2. Penalties shall apply not only to the cultivators but also to Village Chiefs/Headmen/Chairmen/Secretaries, and any other person who benefit from or fail to prevent such illegal activity;
3. Benefits under Government Schemes may be withheld from villages found promoting or shielding illicit poppy cultivation.
“All concerned are directed to immediately desist from any form of illicit poppy cultivation and to report any suspected activity to the nearest Police Station or District Administration” added the public notice.
“This is issued in the interest of the public and for strict compliance by all concerned” added the public notice issued by Uppuluri Chaitanya, District Magistrate, Ukhrul
