Combating the Poppy Menace: An In-Depth Look at Manipur's Multi-Pronged Approach
Poppy plantation is the cultivation of opium poppy, a plant that produces latex from which various narcotic drugs such as opium, heroin and morphine are derived. Poppy plantation is illegal in India under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985, but it is still widely practiced in some parts of the country, especially in the northeastern state of Manipur. Manipur is one of the most conflict-ridden states in India, with a history of insurgency, ethnic violence and human rights violations. It is also one of the most affected states by drug abuse and HIV/AIDS epidemic. According to the Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MSACS), Manipur contributes nearly eight per cent of India's total HIV/AIDS cases, mainly due to intravenous drug use among injecting drug users (IDUs). Drug abuse has become a serious concern that has gripped every faction of society, including youth and children. Sometimes even officials and politicians are found involved in drug trafficking and corr