In India's northeastern region,
it has been observed that the flow of arms and drugs follows a
disturbingly similar route. The area, often referred to as a part of the Golden
Triangle, was once infamous for the largest production of opium in the world.
However, since 1999, Afghanistan has taken over as the leading producer. Khun
Sa, the notorious drug baron, had an early influence across the
Bangladesh-India frontiers, with major drug routes passing through Cox Bazar.
His surrender in 1996, along with agreements with Myanmar's rebel groups, broke
his drug cartel. But this led smaller groups to directly enter the drug trade,
relying on outsiders for logistics, as narcotics production continued to
flourish in the region. The Indian intelligence agencies have also highlighted
the role of Pakistan's ISI in arms and drug transfers into India. Reports also
indicate that ISI's base camp in the Dhubri sector was a hub for smuggling
ganja and brown sugar. Such bases in the region are used for drug
smuggling. According to various sources, the United Liberation Front of Asom(ULFA) was known to have diversified into various income-generating
projects in Bangladesh, including hotels, clinics, and schools, to sustain its
activities. Similarly, underground groups from Myanmar, like the Zomi
Liberation Front, have found shelter in Manipur and Mizoram, using the porous
border between Moreh and Tamu for movement and drug routing. The NSCN factions,
ULFA, and other insurgent groups are reportedly involved in drug trafficking,
using the proceeds to fund arms and ammunition purchases. These groups are also
known to collaborate with Myanmaerse rebels to ensure the safe passage of drugs
across borders. The proximity of Manipur to the Golden Triangle makes it a
hotspot for drug trafficking. Controlled largely by insurgent groups who deal
in both drugs and arms, the state serves as a transit point for the illicit
trade in opium and heroin. Myanmar's recent coup and the ensuing civil war have
exacerbated the situation. The coup in Myanmar and subsequent civil war have
led to an influx of refugees into Manipur, creating
instability. This has also boosted cross-border drug smuggling, with
poppy cultivation and opium trade escalating. The influx of Chin migrants
from Myanmar has led to an increase in poppy cultivation and drug trafficking,
exacerbating the problem. Kuki militant groups are reported to bring
in Chin/Kuki migrants from Myanmar and settle them in Manipur. The Manipur
government's crackdown on illegal immigrants from Myanmar, particularly the
Kuki-Chin tribes, is part of its war on drugs. The 'War on Drugs' campaign
launched in 2017 targeted districts where large-scale illegal poppy cultivation
was rampant, primarily among the Kuki-Chin communities. Several insurgent
groups are seen providing them with training and employment in poppy
fields, further fuelling the drug trade. It has been reported that
the armed underground groups allegedly control and fund drug cultivation and
trade in these areas. The convergence of drug trafficking and terrorism poses a
significant challenge to the regional stability. Several groups are
seen exploiting these activities to sustain their operations, often in
alliance with external narco-terrorist groups, indicating a transnational
dimension to the issue. The ethnic conflict between Nagas and Kukis in Manipur
has been linked to control over drug trafficking routes, particularly
through the border town of Moreh. This conflict has resulted in violence and
displacement, further complicating the situation. The ethnic conflict between
Nagas and Kukis further complicates the situation. The struggle to control drug
trafficking in border towns like Moreh has resulted in violence and
displacement, claiming thousands of lives and causing immense property damage,
which we have observed since the violence erupted in Manipur. Also analysing the
timeline of the Manipur violence, we could see the involvement of armed
militant groups in drug trafficking, coupled with illegal immigration from
Myanmar. This underscores the need for comprehensive security
measures in India's northeast. A multi-dimensional approach is required to
address this issue, involving intelligence cooperation, law enforcement, and
socio-economic development initiatives. In the past decade, Northeast India has
witnessed a series of communal incidents, raising concerns over inter-community
harmony and security. A comprehensive analysis reveals a disturbing pattern of
targeted attacks, often resulting in casualties and displacement. The
incidents, spanning from 2010 to 2024, highlight the vulnerability
of certain communities to communal tensions. The
period between 2010 and 2014 witnessed several
incidents across Manipur. Drug trafficking is prevalent at transportation
hubs such as railway stations, airports, and border areas, highlighting the
strategic importance of these locations for illicit trade. In some cases,
individuals from different communities are involved together in drug
trafficking, suggesting collaboration or network connections between Muslim and
Kuki groups. Drug trafficking is particularly prevalent in border regions like
Manipur, which shares borders with Myanmar and other Northeastern states. The
porous nature of these borders presents challenges for enforcement efforts. Observing
the activities of this sensitive issue suggests the presence of some external
forces actively working in the veins of the social system with the help of
various anti national elements. Drugs and Arms, which gives rise to narco
terrorism, have been structured into a global business model, where the market
continues to flourish through several loopholes resulting in the threat to the
national security.
