Most states in the Northeast share several common problems including insurgency movement, poor infrastructure and lack of industries, among others. With four states -- Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland – sharing borders with Myanmar, which happens to be world's second largest opium producing country after Afghanistan, drug trafficking has been carried out with ease for decades now. Narcotics smuggled from these porous unmanned borders are not only used by youths in the region but are also distributed to other Indian states and even neighbouring countries. Despite the crackdown by some states in the Northeast over alarming rise in the number of drug users among the youths, banned substances continue to flow into the region. It was reported that Assam had seized a huge amount of narcotics and more than 100 cases registered since its clampdown on drug trafficking initiated since last year. The Nagaland Police has also taken proactive steps to tackle the menace of drug abuse and trafficking across the state, registering more than 217 cases and arresting over 309 persons in one year. Its data revealed that 68 cases were registered and 78 persons arrested in connection with possession of banned substances and arms in just one month- between January 2 and February 2 this year. The effort of the police in combating the menace of widespread availability of drugs and its usage is laudable. It should continue its operation against drug peddlers considering the irreparable effect on the youth and the society. Nagaland is said to be a transit route for smuggling narcotics, so clampdowns on anti-social elements and activities will marginally decrease the flow of drugs into the region. However, to effectively curb the menace, all north-eastern states, especially those sharing borders with Myanmar should aggressively check smuggling of banned substances. The public too should join the government authorities in fighting this menace.
India’s Act East Policy, which is aimed at engaging with Southeast Asian countries in several fields, including trade, can be a double-edged sword for the region, hampering the fight against illicit drugs. While the proposed economic corridor has the potential to boost economic activities in the region and attract investments, it can also open the floodgates to contraband items through the Golden Triangle. Failing to check drug trafficking can have an irreparable implication in the region. So, the Central and state governments should come up with mechanisms to curb the flow of illicit drugs into the Northeast. Awareness campaigns about the ill-effects of drug abuse should be carried out at schools and among target groups, especially teenagers. They should also be taught about preventive measures. The role of family and community in deterring young people from taking up bad habits can’t be undermined as well. The people should collectively fight this menace. We can’t allow it to destroy more any more youths.