J'khand cops launch 'chocolate war' on opium cultivation

IN a unique initiative to check opium cultivation, Jharkhand police has launched 'chocolate war' among villagers with police personnel visiting the weekly village 'haat' (markets) to create awareness among locals about the legal repercussions of opium cultivation.

- MUKESH RANJAN @Ranchi

As part of this initiative, they also distribute chocolates in wrappers listing punishments for those found growing opium in their fields.

Khunti is among the worst-affected districts, where opium is grown illegally as a major crop. With support from villagers and Maoists, the opium mafia has been cultivating opium in pockets of Jharkhand under Maoist influence.