Assam Rifles personnel intercepted and seized illegal liquor worth ₹1 crore along National Highway-37 in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district. This seizure took place near Khudengthabi during a well-coordinated search operation carried out on Monday night.
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Seizure Near Khudengthabi Check Post
The Assam Rifles unit, stationed in the volatile border area, launched a routine vehicle check near Khudengthabi along NH-37. The operation turned into a major bust when a suspicious truck was flagged down for inspection. Upon detailed examination, troopers found hundreds of liquor cartons concealed under general merchandise.
Officials confirmed that the truck, registered in Nagaland, was en route to Imphal. The liquor, estimated to be worth around ₹1 crore in the local black market, was being transported without valid documentation or tax clearance. Security personnel immediately detained the driver and handed him over to the Tengnoupal police for further investigation.
Impact on the Local Black Market
Manipur, especially the hill districts, has long struggled with the influx of contraband and illegal alcohol. Although the state enforces partial prohibition, illicit trade continues to thrive. The availability of such large quantities of smuggled liquor fuels underground markets, often linked to larger networks operating across state and international borders.
The seizure has dealt a blow to these illegal networks, especially in a sensitive zone where law enforcement already faces challenges due to ongoing ethnic tensions. Assam Rifles’ timely action prevented the consignment from flooding the streets of Imphal and nearby towns.
Assam Rifles’ Consistent Vigilance
This operation is not an isolated event. Assam Rifles, under the aegis of “Sentinels of the North-East,” has ramped up its surveillance activities across Manipur’s vulnerable corridors. In recent months, multiple seizures of arms, drugs, and contraband goods have demonstrated the force’s increased vigilance.
A senior officer involved in the operation said, “Such acts not only violate state laws but also disrupt social order. Our aim is to prevent these elements from destabilizing peaceful civilian life. We will continue monitoring all transit routes leading into and out of Manipur.”
Coordinated Efforts With Civil Authorities
Following the seizure, Assam Rifles handed over the confiscated liquor and the accused to the district police for legal proceedings. The collaboration between central security forces and state police is crucial in tackling crimes that cut across jurisdictions.
Tengnoupal SP expressed gratitude for the swift action taken by Assam Rifles and assured that further investigations will look into the origin and end destination of the consignment. Authorities also suspect that organized syndicates may be involved in similar operations along the highway.
Local Reaction and Public Support
The local community welcomed the crackdown. Residents around Moreh and Khudengthabi have been vocal about the unchecked flow of illicit goods through their regions. Many expressed relief, stating that such actions discourage criminal activity and encourage lawful conduct.
A local youth group in Tengnoupal issued a statement praising the Assam Rifles. They emphasized that the availability of illegal liquor often leads to youth addiction and family disputes. They urged both security forces and state officials to sustain such drives throughout the year.
The Strategic Importance of NH-37
NH-37 connects Moreh, a major trading point on the Indo-Myanmar border, with Manipur’s capital Imphal. This highway serves as a lifeline for border trade and also attracts illegal cross-border activities. Authorities believe that elements from across the Myanmar border often use this stretch for smuggling contraband.
Considering its importance, Assam Rifles and other paramilitary units have strengthened surveillance checkpoints along the route. Thermal scanners, drone patrols, and increased vehicle checks are some of the measures already in place.
Government’s Broader Anti-Smuggling Strategy
The seizure aligns with the central government’s broader anti-smuggling strategy in the Northeast. With insurgency declining, smuggling has become one of the prime security concerns. Union Home Ministry has directed paramilitary units to prioritize border and highway security, especially in regions sharing boundaries with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh has frequently urged security forces to clamp down on illegal substances and goods. He reiterated the need to protect Manipur’s youth from the influence of drugs and alcohol.
The Assam Rifles liquor seizure along NH-37 serves as a stern warning to smugglers operating in Manipur. It showcases the force’s commitment to ensuring rule of law in a fragile socio-political environment. With continued cooperation between paramilitary units and state police, the government hopes to disrupt illegal networks and maintain public order in the border state.
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