QUETTA, April 17: The Anti-Narcotics Force has launched an operation for destroying poppy crop in Gulistan area of Qila Abdullah district with the help of law enforcement agencies.

“The ANF has destroyed poppy crop cultivated on around 100 acres during two days,” Balochistan Home Secretary Dr Badaruddin Auj said and added that the operation would continue till complete destruction of poppy crops in the area.

“Poppy crop is ready for harvesting in Gulistan area on around 1,000 acres and we are destroying it,” the Balochistan ANF joint director told Dawn on Thursday.

The tribesmen initially resisted the operation taking positions on mountains and blocked the Quetta-Chaman highway for some time.

However, after negotiations between the elders of the area and government officials, they vacated their positions, sources said.

“Troops of the Frontier Corps and Balochistan reserve police with levies are giving cover to the ANF people in destroying the crop, sources said.

After completing the operation, the ANF would launch similar drives in Zhob, Barkhan, Kalat, Mastung, Panjgur and Turbat as it has found poppy crops in the districts during an aerial survey.

The growers have demanded compensation for destruction of their crops. “The government must provide compensation to the affected people,” a grower, Wali Mohammad, said and added that they had no alternative means of earning.

The government has refused to pay any compensation. “People involved in poppy cultivation would face strict action,” the home secretary said.

“Cultivation of poppy is a crime and the growers could be sent to jail for seven years under the Control of Narcotics Substances Act,” ANF officials said and added that when the plants start producing poppy, the growers would face action under other laws.