Manipur-Based Group Urges Centre To Declare Northeast A 'Narco-Terrorist Emergency Zone' Amid Rise In Drug Trafficking

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has appealed to the central government to establish a dedicated anti-narcotics bureau in the northeastern region, citing the growing menace of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, reported NDTV

The civil society conglomerate, based in Imphal, has also urged the centre to officially declare the region a 'narco-terrorist emergency zone' to address the severity of the crisis and mobilise necessary national resources.

Call for Special Anti-Narcotics Bureau in Northeast

In a memorandum addressed to the chief ministers of northeastern states, COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba emphasised the urgency of tackling the issue at a national level.

"We urge the government of India to officially declare the northeastern region as a narco-terrorist emergency zone to highlight the gravity of the situation and mobilise national resources accordingly," Athouba stated in the memorandum, quoted as saying by NDTV.

The organisation has demanded the creation of a "specialised anti-narcotics bureau or force" to counter drug-related crimes in the region. According to COCOMI, this agency should operate transparently and in coordination with state governments and local authorities to effectively curb the drug trade and related terrorism activities.

Allegations of Complicity and Demand for Crackdown

COCOMI has also called for a thorough investigation into the alleged involvement of influential individuals and entities in Manipur, Mizoram, and Myanmar’s Chin state in supporting narco-terrorism.

Additionally, the organisation has urged the government to dismantle infrastructure supporting drug smuggling and illegal arms trafficking, which has become a growing security concern in the region.

With drug-related activities intensifying in the northeastern states, COCOMI’s demands highlight the pressing need for stronger law enforcement and coordinated efforts to tackle the escalating crisis.