The dangerous spillover
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: July 18, 2023 -
LEAVING side what his detractor(s) might or might not construe it as, it is heartening that Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has expressed serious concern over the increasing cases of drug seizures in neighbouring Mizoram and called upon his counterparts in other northeastern states for collective efforts in establishing a robust mechanism to address the burgeoning drug issue in the region.
On Sunday, Chief Minister Biren twitted, “I am deeply concerned by the alarming increase in illicit drug seizures within Mfeoram in recent times. Having personally experienced the challenges associated with drug trafficking in my own state, I wholeheartedly support the efforts of the Mizoram Government in combating these heinous activities, particularly concentrated along our porous international borders.”
Biren also added, “At this critical juncture, as the northeastern states bear the brunt of protecting the entire Nation from the menace of drugs, I fervently urge all Chief Ministers of the region to unite and establish a robust mechanism that will enable us to join forces in this noble ‘War on Drugs’.
By working together collectively, we can effectively address this grave issue and safeguard our communities from the devastating consequences of drug trafficking.”
The appeal of Manipur Chief Minister has come close behind the latest seizure of heroin and other contraband items worth more than Rs 25 crore from Siachal village in Saitual district and another consignment of 1.373 kg of heroin from Chalbawiha junction under Champhai police station in the neighbouring state.
It is no mere coincidence that the northeastern state of Mizoram has been witnessing a sharp spike in cases of drug seizures after the Government of Manipur tightens its grip against the narco-terrorism activities, fuelled by illegal immigrants-spilled over from Myanmar, the turbulent neighbouring country.
This action of the Government led by N Biren Singh is also at the root of the current crisis in Manipur, where hundreds of precious human lives have been lost, many more wounded and thousands of families uprooted from their homes and hearths/following the outbreak of unprecedented clashes between the Meetei/Meitei and the Kuki-Chin communities since the evening of May 3.
With their lucrative activities of drug trafficking and smuggling completely dented due to the action of the Government of Manipur as well as the ongoing senseless violence of targeting and killing each other between the people of Meetei/ Meitei and the Kuki-Chin communities, it is but natural that the narco-terrorists, who used to make Manipur their safe haven, have to find an alternative place or places to carry on with their drug trade.
This is precisely the reason why we have been witnessing sudden spurt in drug seizure cases in Mizoram and other parts of the northeastern region in the past one and half months.
The‘magnanimity’ of Government of Mizoram in opening its door wide to every sundry man and woman of Kuki-Chin community fleeing to save their lives from violence either from Myanmar or Manipur has only made the narco-terrorists to breathe easier and continue with their nefarious activities without fear.
The spillover activities of the narco-terrorists are not going to confine in Mizoram alone, but it is surely going to spread, slowly but steadily in the region and far beyond.
So, the call of Manipur Chief Minister to his counterparts in the region for joining forces in the ‘War on drugs’ should be taken seriously, instead of waiting for the narco-terrorists to spread their tentacles and rob our young people of their youth.
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