Manipur, a state in northeastern India, has been witnessing an alarming increase in criminal activities, including extortion, illegal arms trade, and drug smuggling. According to recent data from the Manipur Police, collected between November 1, 2024, and February 23, 2025, the state has recorded 80 cases of extortion, 62 incidents of weapon looting, and 50 drug-related offenses.

These numbers reveal a deepening crisis in the region, fueled by multiple factors, including ethnic tensions, cross-border militancy, and the involvement of insurgent groups. The resurgence of militant activity, particularly from groups returning from Myanmar, has further destabilized Manipur, contributing to widespread violence, economic disruption, and lawlessness.

A State Under Siege: The Growing Wave of Violence

Manipur has been in turmoil since May 2023, following the eruption of ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The conflict, initially triggered by demands for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Meiteis, quickly spiraled into widespread violence, leaving over 260 people dead and displacing more than 60,000 individuals.

Amid this ongoing unrest, the influx of Indian militant groups from Myanmar has significantly worsened the situation. The political instability in Myanmar, following the 2021 military coup, has pushed many militant factions across the border into India’s northeastern states. Armed with sophisticated weapons and battlefield experience, these groups have added a dangerous new dimension to the conflict in Manipur.

The involvement of these fighters has been linked to an increase in weapon looting, where armed groups target police stations, paramilitary camps, and security checkpoints to seize firearms and ammunition. Since the start of the ethnic conflict, insurgents have looted hundreds of weapons, fueling continued violence in the state.

Extortion: The Militant Economy

Extortion has long been a source of funding for insurgent groups in Manipur, and its prevalence has only grown with the intensifying crisis. The latest police data indicates 80 reported cases of extortion in just three months, with militants and armed groups forcibly demanding money from civilians, businesses, and even government employees.

Extortion is often carried out under the guise of taxation, where militant factions force individuals and organizations to pay a “revolutionary tax” to finance their activities. Business owners in Manipur have frequently complained about receiving threats from militant groups demanding large sums of money. Those who refuse to pay often face intimidation, property destruction, or even physical violence.

Security agencies have warned that the surge in extortion cases is directly linked to the strengthening of militant networks in the state. As law enforcement struggles to contain the violence, armed groups continue to operate with impunity, further destabilizing Manipur’s already fragile economy.

Drug Smuggling: A Lucrative Trade at the Border

Manipur’s geographical location—bordering Myanmar—has made it a hotspot for illegal drug trafficking. The state is part of the infamous Golden Triangle, a region notorious for the production and smuggling of heroin and methamphetamine. The latest data from Manipur Police shows 50 drug-related offenses recorded in just four months, highlighting the expanding narcotics trade in the region.

The instability in Myanmar has only exacerbated the problem, with insurgent groups using drug trafficking as a means to fund their operations. Heroin and methamphetamine, manufactured in clandestine labs across the border, are smuggled into India via Manipur and then distributed across the country and beyond.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and other security agencies have intensified efforts to curb drug smuggling in the region. However, their operations are often hindered by the ongoing violence and the active involvement of armed groups in the drug trade. Many insurgent factions rely on narcotics trafficking as a major revenue source, making it difficult for law enforcement to dismantle their operations.

Government Response: Increased Military Deployment

In response to the escalating crisis, the Indian government has deployed an additional 10,000 soldiers to Manipur in an effort to restore law and order. The increased military presence aims to crack down on insurgent activities, prevent further weapon looting, and curb the spread of illegal drug trade.

The state government has also introduced strict measures to control extortion and organized crime. Security forces have launched targeted operations against known militant hideouts, leading to several high-profile arrests and seizures of illegal arms. However, the continued instability has made it challenging for authorities to fully dismantle militant networks.

Despite these efforts, many citizens remain skeptical about the government’s ability to bring lasting peace to Manipur. The failure to effectively address the root causes of the conflict—such as ethnic tensions, economic disparity, and political grievances—has allowed the violence to persist.

The Path Forward: Seeking Long-Term Solutions

The ongoing crisis in Manipur is a complex issue that requires a multi-pronged approach. While military action can help curb immediate violence, long-term peace will depend on addressing the deeper socio-political and economic issues affecting the region.

1. Strengthening Law Enforcement

• Increasing the presence of trained law enforcement personnel in conflict-prone areas.
• Improving intelligence gathering to dismantle extortion and drug trafficking networks.
• Establishing special task forces dedicated to cracking down on militant activities.

2. Economic Development and Job Creation

• Encouraging investment in local industries to create employment opportunities.
• Strengthening border trade with Myanmar to provide legal economic alternatives.
• Expanding educational and vocational training programs for the youth to prevent recruitment into militant groups.

3. Political Dialogue and Peace Talks

• Engaging in negotiations with warring factions to find a peaceful resolution.
• Addressing ethnic grievances through inclusive governance and policy changes.
• Strengthening inter-community trust through dialogue and reconciliation programs.

4. Strengthening Border Security

• Enhancing surveillance along the India-Myanmar border to curb the movement of militants and smugglers.
• Deploying advanced drone technology and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to track illegal activities.

Manipur is at a crossroads, grappling with an unprecedented rise in violence, extortion, and drug trafficking. The resurgence of militant groups from Myanmar has only worsened an already volatile situation, pushing the state deeper into crisis. While the government’s increased military deployment is a step toward restoring order, sustainable peace will require a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond just security measures.

Unless concrete steps are taken to address the underlying causes of the conflict, the people of Manipur will continue to suffer under the weight of violence and lawlessness. It is imperative for the government, security agencies, and local communities to work together toward a future where peace and stability can be restored in the state.

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