Civil society organisations belonging to the Kuki community have resolved to halt poppy cultivation across Manipur’s Kangpokpi district from January 1, 2026.
The resolution by these organisations, including the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills and the Sadar Hills Chiefs’ Association, is considered significant as poppy cultivation is perceived to be one of the factors contributing to the ethnic animosity in Manipur since May 2023.
Ex-Manipur CM flags ‘existential crisis’ amid poppy cultivation
More than 260 people have been killed and 62,000 others displaced after the ethnic conflict between the tribal Kuki-Zo and the non-tribal Meitei communities broke out more than two years ago. The State, under President’s Rule since February 13, is yet to recover from the impact of the violence.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday (December 23, 2025), the civil society organisations said three rounds of meetings were held on December 10, 16, and 19 to resolve against poppy cultivation in Kangpokpi.
