Alerted sounded over arms, drug smuggling Input
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 26 2024: Security forces deployed in the border areas have been placed on high alert based on 'reliably learnt' reports of an impending smuggling operation involving arms, ammunition, and drugs from Myanmar.

According to a 'secret' communication from the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Tengnoupal district that went viral on social media, Kuki National Army (KNA) cadres are expected to escort the contraband through Haolenphai and T Minou areas along the Indo-Myanmar border.

The information has been addressed to the Commanding Officer (CO) of the 5 Assam Rifles, which is responsible for securing and guarding the volatile border region.

The secret message between the office of SP Tengnoupal and CO of 5 Assam Rifles, Moreh, dated September 25 went viral on social media after Kuki leader Dr Lamtinthang Haokip shared on his X account.

Lamtinthang called it "Yet another attempt of BJP, union home minister Amit Shah and chief minister N Biren to demonise the Kukis through propaganda or unverified information".

Though there is no official confirmation whether the letter is genuine or not, the leaked correspondence between the two security agencies on the social media has raised questions on accountability of the security agencies with many wondering how a message marked as 'Secret' got leaked and circulated on social media within 24 hours.

It not only undermines accountability of the security agencies but also gives a hint of providing an opportunity to change the plans of those trying to carry out illegal activities, conveyed some concerned citizens.

Interestingly, the secret message was sent on the same day the security advisor to government of Manipur and the state's DGP jointly issued a statement clarifying that the intelligence input of infiltration of more than 900 trained Kuki militants from Myanmar to carry out attacks on Meeteis on September 28 was verified from different quarters, but it could not be substantiated on ground.

The statement said that there is no basis currently to believe in any such input, but, security forces deployed on the ground are placed on a high alert to protect lives and properties of citizens.

Moreh, a key border town of the state, has been a hotbed for smuggling activities, with insurgent groups frequently using the porous Indo-Myanmar border for illicit trade.

The recent intelligence report has heightened security concerns, particularly in the wake of escalating violence and unrest in the state.

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