The escalating extortion racket by NSCN (K-YA) in Changlang district targets businesses and critical infrastructure, with Oil India Limited becoming the latest victim. Authorities are intensifying counter-insurgency efforts to safeguard the region’s stability and econo
The escalating extortion activities by militant groups in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district have reached alarming levels, with the NSCN (K-YA) insurgent group demanding ₹20 lakh from Oil India Limited (OIL), a major petroleum operator in the Manabhum Reserve Forest.
The forest, straddling the Changlang and Namsai districts, is a vital hub for OIL, producing approximately 100 kilolitres of crude oil daily.
The extortion note, signed by self-styled Major Tha Aung of NSCN (K-YA), was delivered to OIL’s office through an intermediary, with December 10, 2024, set as the payment deadline. The threat has raised serious concerns over the safety of OIL’s employees and its operations in the reserve forest.
This demand is not an isolated incident but part of an ongoing extortion racket that has targeted businesses, contractors, traders, and villagers in the region. The NSCN (K-YA), known for its militant activities across Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, has increasingly focused on Changlang due to its strategic location and economic significance. The group often justifies its demands as “tax collection,” further complicating the enforcement of law and order.
Local residents and businesses have long grappled with the insurgents’ influence, with many being coerced into paying large sums to avoid violent repercussions. The region’s economy and social fabric are under constant strain from these criminal activities.
Security Forces on High Alert
In response to the heightened militant activity, security forces have intensified operations in the region. Checkpoints have been established along key routes, and patrols have been increased to secure sensitive areas, including the Manabhum Reserve Forest. Intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the movements of insurgent groups to prevent further escalation.
However, challenges persist. The dense forests and porous borders with Myanmar provide safe havens for militants, making counter-insurgency operations arduous. Coordination between state and central forces is crucial to curbing the insurgents’ operations effectively.
A Broader Pattern of Insurgency
The extortion activities in Changlang are reflective of a broader pattern of militancy affecting the Northeast. In neighboring Manipur, militant groups have exploited the region’s geographical isolation and socio-political complexities to establish extortion rackets that target government offices, private enterprises, and even civilians.
The United Nations’ Office on Drugs and Crime has flagged the Northeast as a hotspot for drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and cross-border insurgency, all of which fuel the extortion rackets. The socio-economic impact on the region is devastating, with businesses shutting down and communities living in fear.
Arunachal Pradesh and the broader Northeast underscores the need for sustained and coordinated efforts to address the root causes of insurgency. As December 10 looms, all eyes are on the state and central governments to ensure the safety of OIL’s workers and the long-term stability of the region.
The extortion demand from NSCN (K-YA) is not just a challenge for Arunachal Pradesh but a reminder of the persistent security and development gaps in India’s frontier states. The response to this crisis will set a precedent for tackling insurgency-driven extortion across the Northeast.
