BAJAUR: The local authorities on Saturday directed the farmers to destroy poppy crop voluntarily or face action.

The directives were issued during a meeting of senior officials of the district administration and police with deputy commissioner Shahid Ali Khan in the chair, according to a statement.

The additional deputy commissioner (general), district police officer Waqas Rafique, the deputy commandant Bajaur Scouts, Khar assistant commissioner, and others were in attendance.

The statement said it was noted in the meeting that despite ban on cultivation of poppy crop, some farmers in the hilly areas of the district cultivated the same during the current season.

The participants expressed concern about the cultivation of poppy, and directed the farmers to destroy the crop with immediate effect.

However, it was decided to launch an operation if the growers failed to destroy the crop voluntarily.