Civil society organisations of the Kuki community in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district will stop poppy cultivation from January 1, 2026. Groups like the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills and Sadar Hills Chiefs’ Association made this decision after three meetings in December 2025. The resolution aims to improve social, environmental, economic, and moral conditions in the region. Since May 2023, ethnic clashes between the tribal Kuki-Zo and non-tribal Meitei communities have left over 260 people dead and 62,000 displaced. Manipur remains under President’s Rule since February 2025, still recovering from the violence. The Kuki organisations said, “Poppy cultivation will be completely discontinued in their respective jurisdictions from 2026 onwards.” They warned that anyone violating this would face strict action. Some Meitei groups welcomed the decision but noted it admitted Kuki areas were involved in poppy farming. Kuki extremist groups, who signed a peace deal with the Centre in 2008, are said to run these plantations. Poppy plants produce opium and drugs like morphine and heroin. From 2017 to January 2024, authorities destroyed illegal poppy farms on 19,135.6 acres across 12 districts. Kangpokpi led with 4,454.4 acres cleared. Recently, security forces destroyed farms on at least 559 acres in the region. Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Manipur called for a solemn Christmas amid ongoing hardship, saying, “Christmas carries a profound message of hope, peace and divine light, especially during moments of deep pain and uncertainty.” KIM president C. Ajang Khongsai added, “Despite immense adversity, the people have remained steadfast in faith and in the belief that justice and peace will ultimately prevail.”