Guwahati, Sept. 2 -- Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh is crestfallen.

And don't blame him for his state of mind.

The re-emergence of poppy cultivation in Manipur's hill districts has incurred his concern.

Singh on Tuesday warned that drug cartels were making the most of the "security vacuum following ethnic violence to dramatically expand illegal operations."

According to him, Manipur which was once lauded for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, is now a haven for narcotics trafficking.

The notorious Golden Triangle's influence is making inroads and he dreaded that it could pose severe threats to the nation's youth and social stability.

"It breaks my heart to see my state Manipur, a land of strength, fall into the ...