India, Dec. 21 -- Security forces have destroyed about 601 acres of illegal poppy cultivation across Manipur over the past five days, from December 16 to 20, and recovered a 9-kg improvised explosive device (IED) in Thoubal district on Saturday, police said.

The biggest crackdown was carried out in Manipur's Ukhrul district, where security forces destroyed 559 acres of illegal poppy cultivation across hill ranges in LM Block, Yaolen, Lamlai Chingphei, Shongphel, Mullam, Torah, Champhung, Teinem, Phalee and Changta areas under the Litan and Somdal police stations.

Additionally, 82 huts found at the plantation sites were destroyed and poppy pods seized. "Three FIRs have been registered in connection with the drive against the poppy planta...