Mizoram feeling the heat of sheltering refugees
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: April 11, 2025 -

The proposal by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to establish its zonal office in Mizoram to combat marked increase in cases of drug smuggling from Myanmar makes it crystal clear that drug kingpins are exploiting the porous Indo-Myanmar border and using the northeast region as the transit route for bulk transportation of narcotic drugs and various other contraband items to mainland states and possibly overseas.

Before the outbreak of the Kuki-Meetei conflict in Manipur in May 2023, Mizoram had no serious problem of drug smuggling though there were cases of anti-drug vigilantes including the Young Mizo Association launching crackdowns to dissuade Mizo youngsters from indulging in substance abuse and instances of drug overdose deaths.

The problem, however, was under control as the anti-drug campaigners strived to ensure that those caught using drugs and other addictive substances mandatorily stay in rehabilitation centres till they give up the harmful habit.

In-spite of collective efforts to tackle the drugs menace Mizoram currently is reeling under the impact of sharp spike in cases of drug smuggling as is evident from law enforcement and anti-drug agencies re-covering/seizing substantial quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, etc., at alarming frequency, consequently tarnishing the image of the Christian-majority hilly state, whose denizens have earned the respect of tourists for their strict adherence to traffic norms, such as lane driving and minimal use of vehicle horns.

In-spite of its reputation as a peaceful and respectable state, there is no doubt that Mizoram at present has been turned into a drug hub, especially in rural areas close ofthe Indo-Myanmar borders.

Thus, the NCB's plan to set up its zonal office in Mizoram is not only affirmation about alarming cases of drug smuggling and its impact on the society but also the effect of sheltering large number of families affected by the on-going civil unrest in neighbouring Myanmar.

As reported, the NCB director general Anurag Garg met with Mizoram chief minister Lalduhoma to discuss the proposal for setting up the regional office, emphasising the need for a dedicated office in the state to tackle the growing narcotics trade.

He also suggested the recruitment of staff familiar with the local language and the specific challenges ofthe region. Lalduhoma, a former IPS officer, who has been raising objection against the centre's plan for fencing the borders and scrapping of the FMR, seems to have realised vulnerability of the youth of falling into the menace of drugs.

By requesting the NCB to submit a formal proposal outlining the requirements for the zonal office, including the need for additional resources and manpower, Lalduhoma seems to be convinced that his compassionate dealing with the refugees from Myanmar's Chin state, a known hub for smuggling and major source of illicit drugs and other contraband entering India, has not been reciprocated in the right earnest by the shelter seekers.

With management for wellbeing of the refugees also straining Mizoram's limited resources, the chief minister is left with no option but to extend cooperation to the NCB and allow the latter to tackle the scourge of drug smuggling before it is too late.