Warning of a major fall out if the Kuki militants were not reined in their nefarious activities curbed, the NGO said, “If narco terrorism in the north-eastern border areas of India is not acknowledged by the Union government and contained in time, it will have larger implications posing a serious threat to the national security.”

It alleged that the unabated influx of illegal migrants from Myanmar and they forming themselves as soldiers of ‘Kukiland’ and the suspension of operation (SoO) against these militants have allowed unhindered encroachment of reserve and protected forest land which are used for illegal activities like poppy cultivation, arms-running and drug trafficking. The NGO requested the SC to direct the Union government to investigate the real cause of the present unrest and take action against militants and their illegal activities.

 

It said the Manipur HC’s order seeking state government’s response to a Centre’s 2013 letter on demand for grant of ST status to Meiteis was a mere ruse for the attack on Meiteis and resultant spread of unrest in the state. On May 17, the SC had entrusted the adjudication of the issue relating to the ST status demand by Meiteis to Manipur HC. It had asked the state to provide security to vulnerable populations facing threats of violence.

Citing a January report of the United Nation of Office of Drugs & Crimes titled, “Major Opium Economy Expansion is Underway in Myanmar”, the NGO said, “The Kuki militants and drug mafias are taking advantage of the shifting drug activities (poppy plantation and drug manufacturing) from the Golden Triangle especially the Shan State in Myanmar to the Indo-Myanmar border towards the Chin and Kachin States of Myanmar neighbouring India. The Kuki militants controlling these areas, as also the adjacent areas in Manipur and Mizoram, are emboldened by SoO to indulge in illegal poppy cultivation and drug trade to raise huge financial resources.”