Assam Rifles DG Vikas Lakhera Says No Alternate Drug Route Post-Manipur Crisis; Rs 400 Crores Worth Drugs Seized in One Month

Addressing the public perception of Assam Rifles, DG Lakhera dismissed the negative narrative as baseless.

In an exclusive conversation with Northeast Live, Director General of Assam Rifles, Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera, addressed a range of pressing issues including the drug menace in the Northeast, the shifting narrative around Assam Rifles, and the recent killings in Manipur’s Churachandpur district.

When asked about the emergence of a new drug trafficking route following the crisis in Manipur, DG Lakhera firmly stated that Assam Rifles remains at the forefront of anti-drug operations in the Northeast. “In the past one month alone, drugs worth nearly Rs. 400 crores have been seized in Manipur. Our operations in Mizoram have also led to significant contraband seizures,” he said.

He added that although smugglers continuously explore new methods, there is currently no evidence of any major alternate routes being established. “With the state police in Manipur and Mizoram, along with other security agencies, there is a strong joint effort to intercept as many drug consignments as possible coming from across the border,” he said.

Addressing the public perception of Assam Rifles, DG Lakhera dismissed the negative narrative as baseless. “The narrative is not the truth. A large number of our personnel come from the Northeast, from all tribes and regions. Some people with vested interests may try to shape a different story, but we remain neutral and committed to peace, prosperity, and the sanctity of the Indo-Myanmar border,” he said.

He reiterated that Assam Rifles stands with the people of the region. “We too are citizens of India. Our loyalty is to the nation and to the people of the Northeast. Over time, everyone will see that Assam Rifles is fully committed to the cause of the nation.”

On being asked about the killing of four individuals at Mongjang village in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on June 30, DG Lakhera said the incident falls under the purview of state police and is being investigated accordingly. “This appears to be a feud between individuals or factions. I’ve read about it in newspapers, and I believe Manipur Police is capable and will solve the matter soon,” he said.

It may be noted that four people were killed and one woman critically injured in a suspected factional clash between Kuki groups near Mongjang village around 2 pm on June 30. The victims were reportedly travelling in a car when they were ambushed. One of the deceased has been identified as Thapi, also known as Thangboi, who served as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Kuki National Organisation/Kuki National Army (KNO/KNA), a group currently under Suspension of Operations (SoO) with the central government.

Also Read: Manipur Tightens Security in Farming Areas After Farmer Attacks in Different Locations

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