Continued instability in Myanmar has repercussions on our side as well: Brig. Digvijay Singh | Popgen Tech

Brigadier Digvijay Singh, Sector Commander 23, Assam Rifles.

Mizoram, which shares a porous border with Myanmar, has received an influx of Myanmar nationals crossing the border since the coup, and has also seen a sharp increase in the smuggling of narcotics and other materials. Brig. Digvijay Singh, commander of Sector 23 Assam Rifles discussed the ground situation in a telephone conversation with Dinakar Peri.

K / In your assessment, how has the instability in Myanmar affected Mizoram?

A /
Mizoram shares a 510 Km long border and ethnic ties with the people of Chin State in Myanmar. After the coup in Myanmar in February 2021, there has been a continuous influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar and they are increasing gradually. With the Free Movement Regime (FMR) clause also in effect in Mizoram, tracking these illegal immigrants is difficult, but the Assam Rifles still maintains a record of all those entering and returning to Myanmar. The figures of the State Government and the Assam Rifles are not counted since many of the illegal immigrants have returned to their countries. But still a considerable number remain in Mizoram. Because of the illegal immigrants, the pressure on the state has increased considerably with various NGOs/CSOs coming out to help the Myanmarese relocate. But it has been more than a year and the situation in Myanmar is still unstable. This instability has repercussions on our side as well.

K / There have been some malkadi files recently, can you give an overview.

A /
We have done a number of major operations this year with recoveries of up to ₹ 167 crore. The recoveries were mainly of methamphetamine tablets which is a new growing trend because there is easy money involved since the manufacturing cost amounts to ₹ 5-10 where as the market value is about ₹ 3000 in major cities. The increase in recoveries can be attributed to the instability in Myanmar and the number of armed groups involved in smuggling activities to maintain operations against the Myanmar Army. If you see the pattern of narcotics smuggling it shows a great increase after the coup and in 2022 the increase was four times compared to previous years. It can be said that there was a steady increase in the model until 2019 and it increased exponentially after that.

K / What do you have to say about the massive recovery of Narcotics / War Like Store (WLS) by the Assam Rifles and other agencies?

A /
Recovery shows an increasing trend in the flow of narcotics that showed a sudden wave in the last two months with the recovery of large tablets of Meth. It could be the result of the increase in demand or the easy money it brings along with it. To date we have arrested 31 Myanmar nationals involved in illegal activities. Due to the turmoil and uncertainty in the countries and the easy access to both countries and the essential money easily brought together, it is quiet practical for the Myanmarees to participate in this racket. As far as WLS is concerned the local resistance forces in Myanmar require WLS and tactical stores for their operations against the Myanmar army, and because of sympathizers on our side it is comparatively easier to arrange stores from Mizoram. But the Assam Rifles were alert and we made huge recoveries in terms of WLS, tactical stores. Though Mizoram is a peaceful state, with a lot of narcotic movement and WLS the possibility of any untoward incident cannot be ruled out.

K / With the relatively quiet situation, what are the biggest challenges you face on earth?

A /
23 Sector Assam Rifles is responsible for guarding and management of 510 km of Indo-Myanmar border (IMB) out of total 1,643 km. IMB is porous, the largest portion is the border of rivers and rugged terrain with a large number of inaccessible areas (No go). The special provision of FMR along with ethnic affiliation makes the dynamics of IMB unique and challenging. With limited availability of troops, proximity to Golden Triangle, FMR, unstable Myanmar (illegal immigrants), armed conflict on International border both on Myanmar and Bangladesh, border issue between Mizoram and Assam, transit point of Indian insurgent groups and most illegal smuggling of narcotics. and smuggling makes the security situation in Mizoram very dynamic.

K / In recent months there have been major narcotics recoveries in Aizawl. Your opinion on this?

A /
Aizawl is in the heart of Mizoram, all goods including contraband and narcotics pass through it. Our battalion in Aizawl played a major role in the operations and is a major deterrent to all enemy activities. In the last few months, we have recovered narcotics worth more than ₹ 100 Crore and all efforts are made to keep the city clean from all illegal activities.