IMPHAL, Feb 3:   The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has called on the central government to establish a dedicated anti-narcotics bureau in the northeastern region to address the growing crisis of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. The plea comes as the region continues to grapple with the escalating threats posed by drug syndicates and insurgent groups involved in illicit activities.

In a memorandum addressed to the chief ministers of the northeastern states, COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba emphasized the urgent need for intervention, urging the central government to designate the region as a “narco-terrorist emergency zone.” This designation, according to COCOMI, would highlight the severity of the issue and allow for the mobilization of national resources to effectively tackle the crisis.

The committee proposed the establishment of a specialized anti-narcotics bureau that would work in close coordination with state governments and local authorities. The proposed bureau would operate with transparency and focus on disrupting the illicit drug trade while ensuring efficient collaboration between various agencies.

Additionally, COCOMI called for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged involvement of influential individuals and entities in Manipur, Mizoram, and Myanmar’s Chin state in facilitating narco-terrorism activities. The organization has raised concerns about the role these individuals and groups play in fueling drug smuggling and narco-terrorism, further exacerbating the region’s security and public health challenges.

In its memorandum, COCOMI also urged the authorities to take decisive action to dismantle the infrastructure that supports drug smuggling and illegal arms trafficking in the northeast. These criminal networks, according to COCOMI, have not only contributed to the proliferation of drugs but have also strengthened insurgent groups operating in the region, making it more difficult to combat both narcotics and armed insurgencies.