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05/03/2008: "Swu in talks offer to rival - Khaplang’s deputy invited to Bangkok OUR CORRESPONDENT The telegraph"



Swu in talks offer to rival - Khaplang’s deputy invited to Bangkok OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kohima, May 2: Two decades of hostilities later, the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim has invited Khole Konyak, commander-in-chief of its long-time bete noire, the NSCN (Khaplang), for talks in Bangkok.
This is not the first time, though, that the NSCN (I-M) has written to the top leader of NSCN (K). In the past, too, several letters have been written to NSCN (K) chairman S.S. Khaplang and Konyak, but the manner and style of writing the letters had displeased the Khaplang group’s policy-makers.
Highly placed sources said Konyak has received a letter from the chairman of the NSCN (I-M) Isak Chishi Swu inviting him to come to Bangkok for talks to push forward the ongoing reconciliation and unification process among the Naga warring groups.
However, there were no details about the letter sent by Swu, but sources said its purpose was to iron out the differences and push forward the reconciliation and unity process initiated by various Naga organisations and the Church.
Sources said Konyak received the letter just recently from Bangkok and quoted him as saying that he would not take any individual decision about the invitation but would seek the collective opinion of the outfit.
According to the sources, the guerrilla commander was always for reconciliation and unity.
However, A.Z. Jami, convenor of the council of kilonsers (ministers), said he was not aware of any such invitation to Konyak. “I am not aware of that,” Jami told The Telegraph.
The NSCN (K) army commander has been living on the other side of the border in Myanmar for many years, but he has been sending messages of reconciliation and unity from time to time from his hideout.
A veteran guerrilla leader who has been in Naga revolutionary movement for more than 50 years, Konyak is regarded a reasonable person by many of his comrades and cadres.
Both the top leaders of the NSCN (K), chairman Khaplang and Konyak, live in the jungles of Myanmar. Both have even suggested that if the Naga factions unite, they would quit their respective posts to pave the way for other capable leaders to take over the unified organisation.
Though firebrand NSCN (K) leaders have often criticised Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, their old comrade Khaplang considers the former true Naga nationalists who have overcome turmoil and tests under various circumstances.
Recently, the collective leadership of the NSCN (K) — Khaplang, general secretary N. Kitovi Zhimomi and Konyak — welcomed and appreciated the unification process being initiated by some militants and Naga NGOs.
They appealed to various Naga groups and people to give up their “divisive mindsets” at this crucial time of social and political transition.
The three also cautioned that efforts to bring about unification of warring factions to stop bloodshed and a sense of hope should not be jeopardised by “one’s ulterior motives”.
Endorsing unification, the three appealed to every Naga “to intensify” a broad-based participation so as to achieve the long-felt desire and prayers of the Naga people.
Swu in talks offer to rival Nagarealm.com



Khaplang’s deputy invited to Bangkok

Kohima, MAY02 [TI] : Two decades of hostilities later, the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim has invited Khole Konyak, commander-in-chief of its long-time bete noire, the NSCN (Khaplang), for talks in Bangkok.

This is not the first time, though, that the NSCN (I-M) has written to the top leader of NSCN (K). In the past, too, several letters have been written to NSCN (K) chairman S.S. Khaplang and Konyak, but the manner and style of writing the letters had displeased the Khaplang group’s policy-makers. Highly placed sources said Konyak has received a letter from the chairman of the NSCN (I-M) Isak Chishi Swu inviting him to come to Bangkok for talks to push forward the ongoing reconciliation and unification process among the Naga warring groups. However, there were no details about the letter sent by Swu, but sources said its purpose was to iron out the differences and push forward the reconciliation and unity process initiated by various Naga organisations and the Church. Sources said Konyak received the letter just recently from Bangkok and quoted him as saying that he would not take any individual decision about the invitation but would seek the collective opinion of the outfit. According to the sources, the guerrilla commander was always for reconciliation and unity.

However, A.Z. Jami, convenor of the council of kilonsers (ministers), said he was not aware of any such invitation to Konyak. “I am not aware of that,” Jami told The Telegraph. The NSCN (K) army commander has been living on the other side of the border in Myanmar for many years, but he has been sending messages of reconciliation and unity from time to time from his hideout. A veteran guerrilla leader who has been in Naga revolutionary movement for more than 50 years, Konyak is regarded a reasonable person by many of his comrades and cadres.

Both the top leaders of the NSCN (K), chairman Khaplang and Konyak, live in the jungles of Myanmar. Both have even suggested that if the Naga factions unite, they would quit their respective posts to pave the way for other capable leaders to take over the unified organisation. Though firebrand NSCN (K) leaders have often criticised Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, their old comrade Khaplang considers the former true Naga nationalists who have overcome turmoil and tests under various circumstances.

Recently, the collective leadership of the NSCN (K) — Khaplang, general secretary N. Kitovi Zhimomi and Konyak — welcomed and appreciated the unification process being initiated by some militants and Naga NGOs. They appealed to various Naga groups and people to give up their “divisive mindsets” at this crucial time of social and political transition. The three also cautioned that efforts to bring about unification of warring factions to stop bloodshed and a sense of hope should not be jeopardised by “one’s ulterior motives”. Endorsing unification, the three appealed to every Naga “to intensify” a broad-based participation so as to achieve the long-felt desire and prayers of the Naga people.


Read the Wall Nagarealm.com
In North Eastern (NE) region of India; three states that remain in news more for the wrongs than the rights are; Assam, Nagaland & Manipur. Statistics may tell a different story of either rise or fall in the violent incidents vis a vis the corresponding period last year. Lately the apprehension of masses in these states and remarks of the CM of Assam are something to the noted and reckoned. People seem to have lost their fortitude & forbearance of UG activities.

Assam CM, Tarun Gogoi while inviting banned United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) said, “People don’t want an independent Assam (as demanded by ULFA) and gradually the group is losing its popularity and importance”. APW (Assam People Work an organization of kith and kin of ULFA cadres) had also carried out a similar survey and concluded that people did not want sovereignty. Reacting to this ULFA had carried out a carnage in Tinsukia since violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. It is amazing that PCG (Peace Consultative Group) member, a noted writer, Ms Mamoni Raisom Goswami still advocates sovereignty demand of the outfit. This depicts nothing but disconnect of the personality with realities.

In Nagaland on 11 Apr 08 villagers of Ketsapo under Phek district chased away the cadres of NNC (Naga National Council (accordist) to rescue the Village Council Chairman & secretary of Village Development Board from abduction. Villagers braved only with traditional weapons (daos and spears) against the sophisticated AK rifles of miscreants. Even the firing of rifle shots by the activists did not frighten the chasers. Against the rise of disturbances caused by inter factional clashes, extortions, highway robberies, rape, district administration of Phek, backed by SFs, NGOs and local public have adopted a Zero Tolerance resolution against any faction out to disturb peace in the district. Well done? District administration deserves kudos for a step which is its bounden duty. Reactions of people against the rape of three young women and looting of passengers at Chakabama from a Melluri bound bus is another incident. Residents of Dimapur have given a strong message to militants for increased violence of late.

In Manipur (most disturbed state) cries of people against the killing of two anal women at Herirok (Thoubal), rape and murder of Santibala (a widow) are not over when there is a revolt against the killing of a 55 year old man of Lalong Chajing Loukon under Police Station Sangjamei. The man was killed (24 Apr 08) in front of his own son despite the pleadings by the young boy. One of the women demonstrators said, “It was an act of very cruel people killing the man in front of his own son. Apart from this he was a man living from hand to mouth “. It is generally seen that the UGs blame on the deceased person to safeguard themselves. Secretary of Joint Action Committee (JAC) L, Meipak said, “We will not agree with any fault assigned to the deceased as it has become a habit in our society” (Imphal Free Press 25 Apr 08).

Similarly, SDSA (Senapati District student Association i.e. Maram student’s union, Mao students union, Poumei student union, Zeliangrong student union and Thangal student union) has called for an appropriate action against thrashing (on 23 Apr 08) of three prominent citizens (who are also members of management committee of Rosary School) by UG activists. They also said “Schools wherever they are located is a place of education and threats of any kind by any organisation especially in the form of financial demands is nothing less than asking the institution to close down (Sangai Express 25 Apr 08). Council members of local bodies have submitted resignation to CM protesting against the demands of UGs (Manipur Mail datelined 29 Apr 08). Abheisham Pishak (41) has been lynched by locals in Imphal for raping an eleven year old girl.

These are some of the incidents fresh in our minds. There had been very many in the past where in UGs had targeted financial institutions like banks, educational institutions and health sector causing uncalled for difficulties to the public.

From the foregoing one can make out that UGs have no concern either for the old or the young, the mothers, sisters or daughters, health and development of the social system but making easy money. Probably the effect of water drying up (public support) in the pond (society) is being felt by the fish (UGs) as well. Recently on its foundation day KYKL Chairman, Taijam Achou reflectively said, “ The attitude of the revolution of the UG groups are also degenerating and today they have taken to money making through government contract work, kidnapping for ransom or else demanding cuts from public and private funds”. He also said, “To make easy money one of the methods is for a few people to get together, buy a few arms and form an underground group and then being an extortion business”. This is true for all outfits. Chairman of NSCN (IM) Isak Swu has also conceded to adoption of Zero Tolerance against rampant indiscipline of the cadres. Noted parliamentarian PA Sangma was not wrong. When he said, “Insurgency has become a cottage industry in North East India”.

Now is the time for every one to read the writing on the wall. Leaders and Bureaucrats have to assume visible accountability for good governance. People have to continue the stand against violence to trade for much eluded peace. Why physically able militants can not learn from socially disabled Pradeep (37) who (detected HIV positive in 2000) became was crowned Mr Manipur in Jan 2008. He said, “I want to show how much an HIV positive person can do? UGs need to listen to the voice of the people and join the main stream for safer, better and progressive life for themselves as well as for the society they claim to represent and fight for. Otherwise the sharp edge enjoyed by them (UGs of wielding sophisticated weapons) over hapless citizens will be blunted by the Active WILL of the PEOPLE.

“Without civic morality communities perish and without personal morality their survival has no value” -- ‘Bertrand Russel’ [Geoffery, KOL]

Labour of love for Naga villagers Cantonment Buzz The Telegraph
Brig. Bhupinder Singh, officiating inspector-general of Assam Rifles (North), recently inaugurated a link road in Nagaland. It was constructed by the 51 Engineer Regiment.
The village authorities made a formal request to the Assam Rifles, after which work on the road began. The newly constructed link road (760 metres long and 30 feet wide) will now enable village folk of Molungyimsen to reach places like Tachan A.
The local people lent a helping hand to Assam Rifles troops to remove boulders that were impeding progress of work. The PWD, too. came forward to help.
Speaking on the occasion, Brig. Singh expressed his happiness and satisfaction on the successful completion of the task.
He said the Assam Rifles would continue to extend help to bring about necessary development in the rural belts of the state.
Village council chairman and its members expressed their gratitude. The function was attended by a large gathering of civil and military officials.
Courtesy call
Air Marshal S.K. Bhan Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, called on Assam Governor Lt Gen. (retd) Ajai Singh on April 28. During the brief meeting at Raj Bhawan, the Air Marshal discussed the security arrangements in the region and briefed him on the developments taking place in shared airfields like Guwahati, Jorhat, Mohanbari, and Silchar
The Air Marshal also discussed the embankment to be built at the air force station of Digaru.
He apprised the governor about the unique role played by the Eastern Air Command and presented him with a memento.
Rural welfare
On April 25, the 19 Kumaon unit deployed at Digboi dedicated a sanitary block to the lower primary school at Koylamati in Margherita sub-division.
The school, which has about 400 students, had no toilet facilities earlier.
On the occasion, Col Virendra Vats, comman ding officer of the unit, interacted with the villagers and the school staff and assured the people that the army would continue to undertake development projects under Operation Sadbhavana.
Oil wells and peace B.S. Nagaraj Wall street journal
In 1994, ONGC had fled Changpang, leaving all its equipment behind, fearing physical harm to its employees there
The national media have largely overlooked an important event that took place in the insurgency-hit North-East recently.
In a development that has the potential to catalyse industrial activity in Nagaland, the local community formally gave the go-ahead for the reactivation of oil wells abandoned by the Oil and Natural Gas Corp. (ONGC) over a decade ago.
The social licence to operate was acquired by the ONGC-Canoro consortium after several rounds of interaction with the community. The greatest challenge was to convince the Lotha tribe, which is in a majority in Changpang in Wokha district of Nagaland, of the benefits that would accrue to the local community specifically, and to the state in general.
Equally daunting was the task of getting the support of the main insurgent group, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isaak-Muivah) for the project. In 1994, ONGC had fled Changpang, leaving all its equipment behind, fearing physical harm to its employees there.
Between 1994 and now, oil companies have made several attempts to revive exploration activity in Nagaland, but insurgent groups and the various tribes that make up the population of the state stiffly opposed it.
While threats from insurgent groups was one deterrent, the other was the customary rights to land ownership enjoyed by the people of the state under the Constitution. Land in the state, as also in other parts of the NorthEast, cannot be acquired for any purpose without the consent of the village council.
In the Changpang case, it appears that ONGC and its Canadian partner Canoro have been able to overcome these twin challenges, at least for now. The support from the community or the insurgent groups, however, is not expected to be unconditional. If the oil companies are perceived, rightly or wrongly, as exploiting the community, support can transform into violent opposition overnight.
If everything goes off well, this project has the potential to become a successful case in industry-community partnership and show the way for other similar ventures in the North-East.
The north-eastern states are rich in natural resources, but activity in the extractive sector is limited mainly to Assam. With a very high concentration of active insurgencies, these states have fallen behind the rest of India on most critical development parameters.
Adding to the depressing scenario that has defined the NorthEast for several years now is poor governance, the government and the community’s reliance on federal grants, and physical distance from mainland India.
Relative peace has held in Nagaland with the ceasefire between the government forces and insurgent groups in force for more than a decade, even if internecine clashes among insurgent groups still lead to periodic bursts of violence. Assam still has regions (North Cachar Hills, for example) where companies would think several times before making any plans to enter. Manipur is perhaps the worst of all of the states.
There have been a few positives in the recent past, though. Tripura, once known as the abduction capital of India, has turned a new leaf and is generating interest among domestic and international companies, especially in the extractive industries sector. Insurgent violence has come down drastically and public infrastructure is improving.
While one big success story can help change the image of the North-East, what is critical is to sustain the gains achieved by recognizing the stakes of the local community and creating opportunities for joint industry-community benefit.
B.S. Nagaraj is a risk management consultant and a former journalist. Comment at otherviews@livemint.com

Delhi warned on Bodo talks OUR BUREAU The Telegraph
Guwahati/Kokrajhar, May 2: Dispur today warned New Delhi that if it accepted the National Democratic Front of Boroland’s memorandum demanding “liberation of Bodoland” to start a dialogue with the outfit, it would strengthen Ulfa’s argument to sit for talks only if sovereignty was discussed. The Centre had all along been saying that talks with the NDFB could not begin despite a three-year truce because the outfit had not submitted its charter of demands. The NDFB submitted its memorandum yesterday. Sources said if the Centre now started talks with the NDFB on the basis of this memorandum, then there was no reason why it could not initiate a dialogue with Ulfa, which also has been asking for its main demand sovereignty to be put on the agenda.
Like the NDFB, Ulfa, too, has been waging an armed struggle for the liberation of Assam. The banned outfit said it would sit for negotiations with the government only if its demand for sovereignty was discussed in the talks, a condition that has been rejected by the government.
Writer and peace activist Mamoni Raisom Goswami has also been asking the government to at least start the negotiations with Ulfa as merely discussing the issue will not mean giving sovereignty to Assam. All peace efforts initiated so far have come to nought on this sticky point. The NDFB entered into a ceasefire with Delhi and Dispur on May 24 and formal truce got under way from June 1, 2005. The group has since been holding meetings with leaders of Bodo and other communities to convince and extend support to the peace talks.
NDFB information and publicity secretary S. Sanjarang confirmed placing the outfit’s demand in a memorandum before the Centre and was now awaiting Delhi’s response. At yesterday’s meeting, NDFB was represented by its general secretary Gobinda Basumatary, speaker Sunil Basumatary, S. Sanjarang, deputy commander-in-chief B. Olongbar and I. Dominic.
Boy injured A 15-year old boy, Raj Narzary, was injured last night when GRP fired in the air to disperse supporters of the NDFB at Batasipur station in Sonitpur district.
The group, which was celebrating the NDFB submitting its charter of demands to the Centre, was bursting crackers at the station when the Arunachal Express chugged in. When the group did not heed to the request not to burst crackers, the police fired in the air. One bullet accidentally hit Raj. He has been shifted to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.
State Cabinet says yes to armed community policing for two localities; 500 hand-picked volunteers to form first batch The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, May 2: A new system of policing allowing people to protect themselves from attacks and extortions carried out by militants was discussed and okayed at a Cabinet meeting under the chair of the state chief minister, O Ibobi Singh on Friday, an official source said.

Earlier in the day, two top officials of the Union ministry of home affairs arrived in the state capital and started assessment of the law and order situation once again.

A source said as per the Cabinet decision two units of security posts under the control of newly designated Special Police Officers will be set up at the earliest, within June this year, at Heirok and Lilong Chajing where locals are protesting against killing of local men by militants in recent times.

The Cabinet agreed to select 500 local volunteers, 300 from Heirok in Thoubal district and 200 from Lilong Chajing, and impart training on the use of weapons and techniques to protect themselves from the militants. They will be deployed in their respective localities with the weapons supplied by the state government under the control of the special police officer unit.

The volunteers will be given a stipend of Rs. 3000 per month, the source said. The decision was taken after the Cabinet thoroughly discussed the situation arising out of the revolt by the two localities against the militants and considering their demands for supply of weapons, the source said.

Apart from approving the establishment of two units of Special Police Officers, one each at Heirok and Lilong Chajing, the Cabinet further approved to conduct recruitment of 300 volunteers from Heirok and 200 for Lilong Chajing and Shantipur.

The selection of the volunteers from their respective villages will be done through the deputy commissioner concerned. The selection of volunteers and other necessary processes will be completed within June this year and selected candidates will be given special training under the sponsorship of the state police department. They will be armed with .303 rifles and other weapons for use in safeguarding the locals from militant attacks.

The official source further said that the functioning of the SPO would be under the supervision of the concerned district superintendent of police.

Mention may be made that residents of Heirok and Lilong Chajing are presently confronting the militants after militants shot dead local people recently. They are pressing the state government for provision of weapons to protect themselves from the armed militants.

Angered by the killing of three local youths including two teenage girls and a boy in indiscriminate firing on the night of March 24 by cadres of a militant group and severe injuries to another girl, the people of Heirok have banned the underground groups and are demanding the state government supply weapons to them.

In a similar manner, after the killing of a man in front of his son at Lilong Chajing on the night of April 23, the locals of Lilong Chajing and Shantipur are also opposing the militants and also demanding licenced guns to face the militants.

On the other hand, the chief minister during separate meetings held earlier with the locals of Heirok and Lilong Chajing gave his assurance to fulfill the demands of the respective villages.

He also assured to provide licenced arms to protect the respective villages from any militant actions and to keep the areas as secured zones.
The Cabinet decision was believed to be a follow up of his assurance today, the source said.

In the meantime, two officials of the Union ministry of home affairs, MB Kaushal, advisor north east and Naveen Verma, joint secretary (north east) who arrived at the state capital held a meeting with the top officials of the state home department on the law and order front of the state as a part of the action taken report after the visit of a high level team led by the Union cabinet secretary to the state.

The meeting with state chief secretary, Jarnail Singh and DGP, Y Joykumar also part of the state official team was held inside the Kangla fort after the two officials of the MHA attended a meeting of the Kangla Board in the office of the state chief minister today at around 2 pm.

The state DGP also called on the visiting officials and discussed the follow up action on the decision taken regarding media management in the meeting held with the Union cabinet secretary on April 26.

The two officials will also attend a meeting of the Strategy and Operational Group, SOG tomorrow at the old secretariat building, the source said.
Bodo bodies hail NDFB’s move From our Correspondent Sentinel
KOKRAJHAR, May 2: The All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) and the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) welcomed the submission of charter of demands by the NDFB to the Centre yesterday. They expressed their hope that the decades-long insurgency problems in the region would come to an end through talks.
In an interview with The Sentinel, BSS president Brajendra Kumar Brahma said: “It’s a right move. The Centre should give due response to the gesture shown by the NDFB.” He said the Centre should invite the NDFB for talks as soon as possible. The BSS has moral support towards solution to the NDFB issues, he added.
Talking to The Sentinel, ABSU general secretary Gautam Mashahary said the ABSU welcomed the NDFB’s charter of demands placed before the Centre. He said the Centre, the State Government and the NDFB should sit together to find a permanent political solution to the demands raised by the NDFB.
BPPF women wing president Maloti Rani Narzary said the Centre should not linger to start peace talks with the NDFB. Welcoming the development, BPPF president Rabiram Narzary said the Centre and the NDFB should start meaningful talks to bring permanent peace and stability back in the State. The Boro Women’s Justice Forum (BWJF) has also welcomed the submission of the charter of demands by the NDFB.
India urged not to back Myanmar referendum Indo Burma News
May 2, 2008: (IANS) New York: India and China have been urged by Human Rights Watch not to give credence to Myanmar’s May 10 referendum that the rights body said seeks to entrench military rule. Conditions for a free and fair referendum do not exist in Myanmar because of widespread repression, including arrests of opposition activists, media censorship, bans on political meetings and gatherings, and a pervasive climate of fear created by the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) in the run up to the referendum, Human Rights Watch said in a report.
“The Burmese generals are showing their true colours by continuing to arrest anyone opposed to their sham referendum, and denying the population the right to a public discussion of the merits of the draft constitution,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “International acceptance of this process will be a big step backward.”
The 61-page report, “Vote to Nowhere: The May 2008 Constitutional Referendum in Burma,” shows that the referendum is being carried out in an environment of restrictions on access to information, repressive media restrictions, an almost total ban on freedom of expression, and continuing widespread detention of political activists.
It highlights recent government arrests, harassment and attacks on activists opposed to the draft constitution. The draft 194-page document only available in Burmese and English was released just a month before the referendum. The referendum is taking place just months after the military junta violently crushed massive nationwide pro-democracy protests in September 2007. Human Rights Watch called on the international community not to give any credibility to the referendum process and to firmly insist on real reform from the military rulers.
“This referendum and the draft constitution it seeks to impose on the Burmese people are designed to forever entrench more of the same abusive rule that Burma has endured for nearly half a century already,” said Adams.
“The Burmese junta’s friends, including China, India, and Thailand, should not give any credibility to this process. If they do, it will simply expose them to ridicule for having said they were committed to democratic change in Burma.”
Militants in northeast using drug money to buy arms Indo Burma news
April 29, 2008: (India eNews) A flourishing narcotics trade along India's border with Myanmar has been helping scores of rebel armies getting funding for their violent military campaigns, officials here said. 'In India's northeast, narcotics trade and insurgency are close allies with militants trading in heroin and other forms of drugs to procure arms to continue with their secessionist campaigns,' an Indian intelligence official told IANS on condition of anonymity.
India's northeast has earned the notoriety of being the launching pad for drug trafficking into the rest of the country with the region sharing borders with the heroin-producing Golden Triangle of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km unfenced border.
'Poppy grown on the Indian side of the border is transported into Myanmar for refining and the refined heroin either finds its way to Thailand or is routed back into the northeast Indian states of Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya,' the official said. 'The lucrative drugs trade is the primary source of finances for the many rebel groups in the northeast.'
On Sunday, police and army intelligence sleuths in Assam's main city of Guwahati arrested three militants of the People's United Liberation Front (PULF), a Manipur-based Islamist outfit, and made a large haul of prescription drugs during a raid at a rented accommodation.
'We seized about 27,000 capsules of spasmoproxyvon from the militants. It appears the PULF militants are part of an organised drug syndicate,' Debojit Deuri, additional police chief of Guwahati city, said. Spasmoproxyvon is a potent analgesic and used by intravenous drug users. There are about 30 outlawed separatist groups active in seven northeastern states with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy and the right to self-determination.
'The porous border with Myanmar is helping the trade in narcotics drugs,' a senior official of the Narcotics and Border Affairs of Manipur said.
Heroin and synthetic pharmaceuticals illegally trafficked from Myanmar into India's northeast has led to a rise in drug abuse and an HIV epidemic in the region, a United Nations study said.
'Drug trafficking across the common border of Myanmar and the northeastern state of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland occurs with ease. Despite the existence of heavy security, heroin does transit the border and is therefore accessible to the local youths of these states,' a recent report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Indian government said.
'Northeastern states which are distant from the Myanmar border have generally reported fewer episodes of heroin injecting compared to the states which are closer to the border. Thus, there is a direct correlation between proximity to the border and drug abuse,' the report said.
The unabated flow of amphetamines from Myanmar into the northeast is another area where the UNODC expressed concern. 'Myanmar has a significant illicit amphetamine type substance (ATS) manufacturing capacity,' the report said. 'A proxyvon tablet costs Rs.2 which is cheaper than cocaine. Addicts dissolve proxyvon in water and then use it intravenously. It dulls the nerves and gives addicts a kick,' S.I. Ahmed, a community healthcare worker in Assam, said. 'Excessive proxyvon usage can lead to ulcers which do not heal, and to even death.'
Indian intelligence officials say there are at least 90 methamphetamine production plants along the Thai-Myanmar border, of which 20 are located in the Sagaing division in Myanmar, adjacent to Manipur state.
A number of frontline Indian militant groups have bases inside Myanmar and operates in tandem with some ethnic rebel groups in the Kachin region. Experts say Myanmar's military junta turns a blind eye to drug production and trafficking as a way of ensuring peace among ethnic minority groups, who have been restive for decades.



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