Manipur CM says drug traffickers using credit system to fuel abuse amid conflict
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced on Friday that drug traffickers have altered their routes and adopted a credit policy to push consumption following the ethnic conflict that erupted in Manipur in May 2023.
Speaking at an event organised by the state's Social Welfare Department in Imphal to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Chief Minister noted that many youth in Manipur began using heroin and other drugs in the 1970s. At that time, heroin was extremely expensive and largely affordable only to children from wealthy families. However, the situation has changed dramatically.
Manipur was historically a major conduit for heroin, methamphetamine, and other synthetic drugs via Moreh, a town on the India-Myanmar border. Mr. Singh stated that drug trafficking routes have shifted significantly since the ethnic crisis began in 2023. Trafficking is now largely diverted through Mizoram, while smaller quantities continue to be routed from Moreh to Churachandpur using roads built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
The Chief Minister identified Kwatka as the nearest distribution point after drugs reach Churachandpur. Churachandpur district is predominantly inhabited by Kuki-Zo communities, while Kwatka, in adjoining Bishnupur district, is largely Muslim or Meitei Pangal area.
Citing civil society organisations in Kwatka, Mr. Singh claimed that nearly 70% of the youth in the area are using drugs. He said that drug peddlers often allow users to purchase drugs on credit, a practice that has made drugs easily accessible. He further noted that Moirang, Kumbi, Thanga, and other areas near Kwatka have become vulnerable.
Mr. Singh emphasised that sports can serve as a strong defence against drug use among youth. He called for collective efforts from individuals, local clubs, Meira Paibis (women's collectives), and civil society organisations to build a drug-free society.
Robert Singh Kshetrimayum, Manipur's Social Welfare Commissioner, added that a significant percentage of those addicted to drugs in the state are under 20 years of age.
