Intel sources link fresh violence in Manipur to religion, drug trade: Report

The violence in Manipur rekindled due to the 'destabilization toolkit' which clearly is related to drugs, religion, and support for Christianity, a media report said on Nov 19.

According to a CNN-News18 report, intelligence sources have revealed that "a parallel economy of drugs worth ₹60,000 crore was active in Manipur against a state budget of ₹35,000 crore.

The report further said that the “modus operandi was to attack infrastructure development and society, create a leadership crisis, and send more sophisticated weapons.”

“There is a complete law and order breakdown with new tactics beyond assessment for law and order agencies. This is an intelligence failure at the local level," the sources were quoted as saying.

“Attackers on Meitei civilians travelled 200 kilometers from Churachandpur to Jiribam and their movement was unnoticed. Earlier, it was believed that Kukis would abduct and release the civilians but this killing tells a different story. The abductions, rapes and killings are a war game at a different level," they added.

According to the sources, the timing of the fresh violence was chosen deliberately which came shortly after Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma made comments in the United States about the need for a ‘Christian nation’ of the Kuki-Zo people under a unified leadership.

"His statement proposed consolidating Kuki-Zo populations across India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. The statement outside India ignited these groups from across the border and they decided to launch the final assault for a decisive move," the report said quoting the sources.

“The abduction, killing and rape toolkit is designed in such a way that it’s finally taking to complete social unrest. Meiteis have no faith in the social machinery, including politicians from their community. Out of fear, local politicians are not seen with the community, resulting in arson and attacks on them," they added.

The report also stated that the security agencies have warned about the escalation of the Kuki-Meitei war, saying if it isn't contained “Northeast will become a war zone."

The sources revealed that the 'Golden Triangle of drugs' — comprising Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar — is a major factor behind the unrest in Manipur.

"Drug cartels in Myanmar, thriving in its dense forests where opium and poppy are cultivated, have extended their operations into Manipur," they said.

Chinese investors are paying substantial amounts to locals in Manipur and Myanmar to establish the region as a secure base for drug trafficking across India. Synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, ketamine, and others continue to be produced and smuggled globally from this infamous Golden Triangle.

Furthermore, the Kuki community, being predominantly Christian, enjoys considerable support from international Christian organizations and global bodies.

Various groups in the Northeast, stretching from Mizoram to Tripura, are working to create a separate state based on religious identity, sources said.

Organizations like the Mizo National Front (MNF), National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), Hmar People’s Convention (HPC), and Chin National Army (CNA) operate in Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, and Myanmar’s Chin State. Despite having different objectives, these groups share deep ethnic and religious connections.

On Nov 18, at least 10 Kuki-Zo youths were killed in an alleged gunfight with CRPF personnel in the Jiribam district.

Following this, Manipur’s Kuki organizations have announced a 'coffin rally' in Churachandpur on Nov 19 to honor those killed.

Earlier the violence after six civilians, including women and children, were abducted by armed militants from the same area.

Till now, 220 people have lost their lives and thousands have been left homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May last year.