On May 8, the Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB), a specialized unit of the Manipur state police, conducted a raid in the Mantripukhri area of Imphal, which was under curfew due to the violent aftermath of the May 3 clashes. The police seized 77 gunny bags, suspected to contain poppy seeds, and 120 kyat, Myanmar’s currency, from the property. The NAB suspects that the owner of the house is associated with an international drug cartel.
The raid raises concerns about the state government’s priorities, as it comes at a time when Imphal is reeling under curfew and over 35,000 people have been displaced due to the violence. The May 3 clashes, which claimed at least 65 lives, were allegedly a retaliation by some tribal groups against the N. Biren Singh government’s actions, including the “war on drugs” and the clearing of reserved forest areas in the hills.
Meitei civil society groups have accused the government of exacerbating the situation by doubling down on the narcotics crackdown during the ongoing law-and-order crisis. They argue that the state should focus on addressing the root causes of the violence and displacement rather than pursuing a narrow agenda.
The “war on drugs” has been a contentious issue in Manipur, with some groups arguing that it disproportionately targets certain communities and fuels corruption within the police force. The clearing of reserved forest areas has also been controversial, with allegations of illegal land grabs and displacement of indigenous communities.
The situation in Manipur highlights the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing the complex issues of drug trafficking, land use, and ethnic tensions. Rather than relying solely on law enforcement measures, the government should engage with affected communities and address their concerns. This could involve developing alternative livelihoods for poppy cultivators, providing legal avenues for resolving land disputes, and promoting inter-ethnic dialogue.
In the short term, the government should prioritize restoring law and order and providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the violence. The NAB should also ensure that its operations are conducted in a manner that respects human rights and avoids exacerbating tensions.
Ultimately, the government must recognize that sustainable solutions to the issues facing Manipur will require a long-term, multi-dimensional approach that addresses the underlying social, economic, and political factors driving conflict and insecurity. Only then can Manipur move towards a more peaceful and just future.