The ripple effect: Myanmar military coup of 2021 and its impact on Manipur and Mizoram
|
Laithangbam Kumarsanu Singh
Contd from previous issue
It is reported that at least 50 civillians have been killed and over 100 injured, mostly by junta bombardments and airstrikes, in northern Shan State. The conflict spread near the Indo-Myanmar border, resulting in a fierce armed fight between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed groups of the Chin and Sagaing Regions.
Following the Myanmar Army's airstrike in Chin State near the Indo-Myanmar border, over 5000 Myanmar Nationals have crossed over to neighboring Mizoram. Around 75 Myanmar army personal who fled resistance attacks on their camps were “rescued” and repatriated by Assam Rifles. Apart from the recent influx of refugees to Mizoram, concerns are growing about a spillover of tensions into border areas of Manipur, which already face an ethnic conflict since May 3rd.
After the February 2021 coup, there is an evident rise in the flow of drugs from Myanmar to India. The political instabilities caused by the conflicts between Tatmadaw and ethnic militias have become conducive for drug cartels in trafficking narcotics through Manipur and Mizoram, spreading across India. The border between India and Myanmar is porous in nature, making the flow of drugs from Myanmar to India feaseable. The most important route is the one which starts from Mandalay, continues to Monya and Kalewa and then bifurcates to enter India at two points. The first moves northwards, enters Moreh in Manipur through Tamu and travels to Imphal and Kohima via National Highway-39. The second branch moves southwards and enters Champai in Mizoram through Rikhawadar. Moreh, Champai, Dimapur and Guwahati have become hubs for drug trafficking. However, after the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki, drug routes have almost changed to Mizoram. The distribution of drugs to India from Myanmar will have direct impact on the internal security of the country. It will challenge human security and social welfare of the North East region.
The porous Indo-Myanmar border has facilitated an increase in the movement of insurgent groups, arms smuggling, and illicit activities after the coup. Insurgent groups from both sides often find safe havens, leading to cross-border security concerns that impact the stability of Manipur. This region has experienced prolonged insurgencies, and the civil war in Myanmar can influence these dynamics. Insurgent groups operating in the region frequently establish connections with factions in Myanmar seeking refugees, training, and resources. The cross-border nature of these interactions can perpetuate insurgent activities in both countries. The security challenge is also evident in the ongoing conflicts in Manipur. Armed militants from Kuki, based in Chin State, have illegally crossed the porous borders. They have fueled the ongoing conflicts by supporting Kuki militants in Manipur through the workforce and supplying arms and ammunition. The Indian government had to intensify border surveillance and security measures to prevent the spillover of violence and insurgent activities in Manipur.
Additionally, economic ties between the affected regions were disrupted. The coup and the civil war prompted concerns over trade and economic relations, affecting businesses and livelihoods in Manipur and Mizoram connected to Myanmar. The uncertainty surrounding the political landscape in Myanmar impacted the flow of goods and services, hindering economic activities and development projects of routes like Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit and Transport and India Myanmar Thailand Trilateral Highway projects.
The impact of the 2021 military coup in Myanmar and its ensuing civil war has extended far beyond national borders, leaving an indelible mark on Manipur and Mizoram. The influx of refugees, flow of drugs, strengthening of insurgent activities, political instability and disruption of economic activities in the Border area are some of the issues facing Manipur and Mizoram. As these States grapple with the socio-economic, cultural, and security implications, a concerted effort from State and Central Governments is crucial to steering the region towards stability and resilience. The unfolding narrative in Manipur and Mizoram is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of Nations and the need for collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by geopolitical crises.
The writer is 2nd year student, Dept. of National Security Studies, Manipur University
Contd from previous issue
It is reported that at least 50 civillians have been killed and over 100 injured, mostly by junta bombardments and airstrikes, in northern Shan State. The conflict spread near the Indo-Myanmar border, resulting in a fierce armed fight between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed groups of the Chin and Sagaing Regions.
Following the Myanmar Army's airstrike in Chin State near the Indo-Myanmar border, over 5000 Myanmar Nationals have crossed over to neighboring Mizoram. Around 75 Myanmar army personal who fled resistance attacks on their camps were “rescued” and repatriated by Assam Rifles. Apart from the recent influx of refugees to Mizoram, concerns are growing about a spillover of tensions into border areas of Manipur, which already face an ethnic conflict since May 3rd.
After the February 2021 coup, there is an evident rise in the flow of drugs from Myanmar to India. The political instabilities caused by the conflicts between Tatmadaw and ethnic militias have become conducive for drug cartels in trafficking narcotics through Manipur and Mizoram, spreading across India. The border between India and Myanmar is porous in nature, making the flow of drugs from Myanmar to India feaseable. The most important route is the one which starts from Mandalay, continues to Monya and Kalewa and then bifurcates to enter India at two points. The first moves northwards, enters Moreh in Manipur through Tamu and travels to Imphal and Kohima via National Highway-39. The second branch moves southwards and enters Champai in Mizoram through Rikhawadar. Moreh, Champai, Dimapur and Guwahati have become hubs for drug trafficking. However, after the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki, drug routes have almost changed to Mizoram. The distribution of drugs to India from Myanmar will have direct impact on the internal security of the country. It will challenge human security and social welfare of the North East region.
The porous Indo-Myanmar border has facilitated an increase in the movement of insurgent groups, arms smuggling, and illicit activities after the coup. Insurgent groups from both sides often find safe havens, leading to cross-border security concerns that impact the stability of Manipur. This region has experienced prolonged insurgencies, and the civil war in Myanmar can influence these dynamics. Insurgent groups operating in the region frequently establish connections with factions in Myanmar seeking refugees, training, and resources. The cross-border nature of these interactions can perpetuate insurgent activities in both countries. The security challenge is also evident in the ongoing conflicts in Manipur. Armed militants from Kuki, based in Chin State, have illegally crossed the porous borders. They have fueled the ongoing conflicts by supporting Kuki militants in Manipur through the workforce and supplying arms and ammunition. The Indian government had to intensify border surveillance and security measures to prevent the spillover of violence and insurgent activities in Manipur.
Additionally, economic ties between the affected regions were disrupted. The coup and the civil war prompted concerns over trade and economic relations, affecting businesses and livelihoods in Manipur and Mizoram connected to Myanmar. The uncertainty surrounding the political landscape in Myanmar impacted the flow of goods and services, hindering economic activities and development projects of routes like Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit and Transport and India Myanmar Thailand Trilateral Highway projects.
The impact of the 2021 military coup in Myanmar and its ensuing civil war has extended far beyond national borders, leaving an indelible mark on Manipur and Mizoram. The influx of refugees, flow of drugs, strengthening of insurgent activities, political instability and disruption of economic activities in the Border area are some of the issues facing Manipur and Mizoram. As these States grapple with the socio-economic, cultural, and security implications, a concerted effort from State and Central Governments is crucial to steering the region towards stability and resilience. The unfolding narrative in Manipur and Mizoram is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of Nations and the need for collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by geopolitical crises.
The writer is 2nd year student, Dept. of National Security Studies, Manipur University