Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today stated that around 3,000 acres of illegal poppy cultivation has been destroyed, 307 cases has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and 467 drug traffickers has been arrested in the last one year in the State.
The Chief Minister made the above statement while attending the 135th Raising Day of Manipur Police at 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Imphal.
During the function, Paukhanmung Guite, Commandant of the 1st Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), Churachandpur, served as the Parade Commander. He is the first police officer belonging to Kuki-Zo community who participated as Parade Commander in a State function in Imphal since 2023 crisis.
Khemchand Singh stated that the people of Manipur have often questioned the Government’s actions under the ‘War on Drugs’ campaign on social media platforms and in newspapers, however the government is committed in combating illegal poppy cultivation and drug trafficking in the State.
The Chief Minister maintained that as part of the State government’s continued efforts to maintain peace and harmony among all communities residing in the State, the Government is also concern over the harmful impact of drug trafficking on the lives and future of the youths. He further stated that the police and other concerned agencies were closely monitoring the situation and intensifying efforts to identify, trace and dismantle drug networks operating across the State.
The Chief Minister stated that the unprecedented crisis that erupted on May 3, 2023, have led some youths to take up arms. He emphasised that the State Government, in close coordination with the security forces, had undertaken concerted efforts to restore peace and stability and bring tensions under control. These sustained efforts had also encouraged the voluntary surrender of arms.
He further highlighted that homecoming ceremonies had been organised for cadres of two proscribed groups, namely KCP-PWG and KCP-Taibanganba, as part of the ongoing efforts to promote peace, reconciliation and a return to normalcy in the State.
The Chief Minister appealed to all sections of society and all political parties in the State to foster a culture of appreciating good deeds and pointing out wrongdoings with a view to rectifying them. He emphasized that undue criticism would only further undermine the progress of the State and would in no way contribute to the restoration of peace in the State.
He reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to modernising and strengthening the State Police Force. Under the Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police (ASUMP) Scheme, 477 vehicles were being procured, including 60 light bulletproof vehicles and 15 mine-protected vehicles, to enhance operational efficiency and preparedness.
In the field of sports, State Police’s sportspersons have brought laurels to the State through their remarkable achievements. These include Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) Kumari S. Mirabai Chanu, who won gold medal at Commonwealth games and a silver medal in weightlifting at the 2026 Asian Games, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Kumari N. Roshibina Devi, who won a silver medal in Wushu at the 2026 Asian Games.
Delivering his speech, Mukesh Singh, Director General of Police (DGP) Manipur stated that since 2008 we have proudly celebrated October 19th as the collective Raising Day of the entire Manipur Police family. Throughout our history this force has stood firm against complex challenges. From decades of counter insurgency to rapidly changing societal demographic and technological demands, he added.
He added, when unprecedented ethnic violence broke out in May 2023 the Manipur Police with Central Armed Police Forces, the Army and Assam Rifles immediately stood on the frontline to protect lives and public property.
During the celebration, a total of 13 contingents participated in the March Past, while the Chief Minister presented various awards to outstanding battalions, police stations and police personnel for their exemplary performance and dedication to duty.
The Manipur Police Best Battalion Award 2026 was conferred to the 2nd Battalion, Manipur Rifles. The Second Best Battalion Award 2026 was jointly awarded to the 4th Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and the 5th Battalion, Manipur Rifles, while the Third Best Battalion Award 2026 went to the 10th Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB).
The Best Police Station Award 2026 was conferred to Bishnupur Police Station, Bishnupur District. The Second Best Police Station Award 2026 was jointly awarded to Lamphel Police Station, Imphal West District, and Senapati Police Station, Senapati District. The Third Best Police Station Award 2026 was jointly conferred to Women Police Station, Churachandpur District, and Waikhong Police Station, Kakching District.
The Best Police Officer Award 2026 was presented to Women Sub-Inspector Horthingwon Lungleng of Women Police Station, Ukhrul District. The Second Best Police Officer Award 2026 was conferred to Assistant Sub-Inspector Rajkumar Chinglensana of City Police Station, Imphal West District.
The celebration was attended by Manipur Legislative Assembly, Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh; Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam; MLAs, Chief Secretary and high ranking police officials among others.