A sophisticated underground tunnel along the Myanmar-Mizoram border, allegedly used for drug smuggling, has alarmed authorities. COCOMI demands a specialized Anti-Narcotics Bureau and immediate dismantling of illicit infrastructure.
BY PC Bureau
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has appealed to the Chief Ministers of eight Northeastern states, highlighting the escalating narco-terrorism crisis threatening the region’s security and stability.
Addressed to the Chief Ministers of Manipur, Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura, the memorandum calls for immediate action, including the declaration of a “Narco-Terrorist Emergency Zone” and the establishment of a specialized Anti-Narcotics Bureau to combat the growing threat.
COCOMI serves as a unifying platform for various social, cultural, and community groups of Meities, advocating for issues ranging from political stability and communal peace to the preservation of indigenous rights.
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Revelations of Drug Smuggling and Underground Tunnels.
COCOMI’s appeal comes in response to alarming intelligence reports accessed by News18 and The People’s Chronicle. These reports reveal the existence of a sophisticated underground tunnel along the Myanmar-Mizoram international border, allegedly used for large-scale drug smuggling operations.
MAJOR CRACKDOWN IN KANGPOKPI: 45 ACRES OF POPPY PLANTATIONS DESTROYED!
In a big win against drug cartels, security forces razed 45 acres of illegal poppy fields in Kangpokpi today. Led by Kangpokpi Police, CRPF & an Executive Magistrate, the operation targeted Lhungjang hill… pic.twitter.com/HkW1nZysCl
— Hero Thokchom (@hthokchom) February 1, 2025
The tunnel, reportedly capable of accommodating heavy vehicles, underscores the involvement of powerful and organized entities beyond ordinary smugglers. The memorandum raises concerns about collusion between influential groups in Mizoram and Myanmar’s Chin State, along with external actors allegedly pursuing the establishment of a “Christian State” spanning territories in India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Grave Threat to Regional Security
COCOMI highlighted the dire consequences of unchecked drug trafficking, including funding insurgent groups and contributing to public health crises. The porous 1,643-kilometer border between India and Myanmar has facilitated the smuggling of narcotics, with an estimated 90% of drugs entering the region originating from Myanmar.
The crisis has also drawn international attention, with the Manipur conflict being recognized as one of the world’s top 10 most alarming conflicts by the Foreign Policy Journal.
Drug Seizure Statistics
COCOMI presented comprehensive data on drug seizures in the region, emphasizing the magnitude of the crisis:
- Manipur (March 2022 to May 2023): Narcotics valued at ₹142 crores were seized, with 764 arrests under the NDPS Act.
- Mizoram (April 2024 to January 2025): Seizures worth ₹355 crores, including methamphetamine, heroin, and cannabis.
- Assam (2023): Drugs valued at ₹682 crores seized, with 5,059 arrests and 3,287 cases registered.
- Historical Data (2019-2023): Significant drug hauls, including 93.967 kg of brown sugar, 20 kg of methamphetamine, and 5.463 kg of opium seized in various operations.
COCOMI’s Demands
To address the crisis, COCOMI made the following urgent demands:
- Declare a Narco-Terrorist Emergency Zone: Mobilize national resources to combat the escalating threat.
- Establish a Dedicated Anti-Narcotics Bureau: Operate transparently and in close coordination with state governments and international partners.
- Recognize the Threat of Narco-Terrorism: Acknowledge its penetration into border states and take concrete measures.
- Investigate Complicity: Probe the involvement of influential individuals and entities in supporting narco-terrorism activities.
- Dismantle Smuggling Infrastructure: Take immediate steps to destroy tunnels and strengthen border surveillance.
- Develop a Comprehensive Security Policy: Address the Manipur crisis and its narco-terrorism dimensions, prioritizing the protection of indigenous populations.\
Call for Immediate Action
 COCOMI warned of severe national and international consequences if the crisis continues to be neglected. “The failure to act decisively risks turning Manipur and the larger Northeastern region into a flashpoint for regional instability, with far-reaching implications for India’s reputation and security,” the memorandum stated.
The organization urged the Chief Ministers to collectively demand an urgent response from the Government of India to prevent further escalation and uphold the region’s security and integrity.
A Plea for Unity and Action
COCOMI expressed hope that state governments would rise to the challenge and work together to address the crisis comprehensively. “We remain hopeful that the state governments will take immediate and effective steps to uphold the security and integrity of the Northeastern region,” the memorandum concluded.
