INDIA, Dec. 2 -- A joint team of central and state forces, in their renewed drive against narcotic plant cultivation, destroyed 54 acres of fully grown poppy plants-estimated to be worth approximately Rs 2.1 lakh-in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. A total of 16 farm huts and several bags of chemical fertilisers were also destroyed in the fire on Monday, officials said on Tuesday.

The Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and CRPF, with a combined strength of 150 personnel, cut down and destroyed illicit poppy plantations in the hill ranges of Khoiripok, Sehjang, C. Lamjang, and the surrounding areas under the Kangpokpi Range.

The joint team destroyed 36 acres of poppy cultivation in the hill ranges of C. Lamjang and neighbouring areas under Kangp...