Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has issued a stern warning on the escalating crisis of drug smuggling in Northeast India, calling it a “grave threat” to both national security and the region’s future. Singh urged the central and state governments to intensify anti-narcotics crackdowns and bolster border vigilance, especially in drug transit zones along the India-Myanmar border.
“We cannot afford to let the Northeast become a narcotics corridor. The time for symbolic action is over. This requires a united, unrelenting crackdown,” Singh said during a public address in Imphal.
Northeast India—A Key Transit Zone for Drug Trade
The Northeast region, bordered by Myanmar, Bangladesh, and China, has long been vulnerable to trafficking due to its porous borders, mountainous terrain, and limited enforcement infrastructure.
The Golden Triangle Connection
Much of the illegal drugs entering the region are believed to originate from the Golden Triangle—a narcotics-producing area encompassing Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. The synthetic drug trade, particularly methamphetamine (yaba) and heroin, has seen a sharp rise.
According to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland have reported a 300% surge in drug-related arrests over the past two years.
Read more: India’s Drug Trafficking Trends – UNODC
N. Biren Singh’s Legacy and Continued Advocacy
As former Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh had made “War on Drugs” a flagship campaign of his administration. Under his tenure:
- Thousands of acres of illegal poppy plantations were destroyed
- Hundreds of traffickers were arrested
- The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) was expanded
Now, out of office but still a prominent voice, Singh continues to advocate for coordinated anti-drug policies, warning that political instability in Manipur must not distract from this urgent issue.
“Drug networks exploit chaos. The recent unrest must not create a vacuum in enforcement.”
Urgent Need for Inter-State and Central Coordination
Gaps in Border Surveillance
Singh stressed the need for tighter collaboration between:
- State police forces
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Assam Rifles
- Central Narcotics Bureau
In several Northeast states, low staffing, poor equipment, and lack of jurisdictional clarity have hampered efforts to intercept narcotics.
“A smuggler caught in Manipur today may operate in Mizoram tomorrow. Without joint intelligence sharing, we’re just playing whack-a-mole,” Singh noted.
Youth at Risk — The Silent Epidemic
Beyond security concerns, Singh emphasized the growing addiction crisis among youth in the region. NGOs and rehab centers report that thousands of teens and young adults are now dependent on synthetic drugs.
Community Response Gaining Momentum
Local organizations like:
- Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA)
- Mizoram Anti-Drugs Squad
- Imphal Youth Action Network
have stepped up to offer rehabilitation, awareness, and community patrol programs.
Political Turbulence Could Hamper Progress
The ongoing ethnic tensions and administrative breakdown in parts of Manipur have led to concerns that drug cartels may exploit the situation.
With reduced patrolling in border districts like Moreh and Churachandpur, smuggling activity has reportedly increased. Singh called on both state leadership and the Home Ministry to treat the crisis as a national security priority.
Time to Act on Drug Smuggling in Northeast India
The call by N. Biren Singh is not just a political statement—it is a wake-up call. Drug smuggling in Northeast India is no longer a fringe problem. It threatens:
- Regional security
- Youth health and employment
- India’s broader counter-narcotics goals
READ MORE: Thrift Fashion Manipur: India’s Style Underground Emerges