In a significant breakthrough against cross-border smuggling, Assam Rifles units under the Spear Corps, in collaboration with Mizoram Police, seized a large cache of explosives on November 6, 2024, on the Serchhip-Thenzawl road in Mizoram. Acting on specific intelligence regarding the movement of explosives, security forces swiftly established a Mobile Vehicle Check Post to intercept and inspect suspicious vehicles along the route.
Their efforts paid off when a targeted vehicle was intercepted and thoroughly searched, leading to the discovery of an alarming amount of explosive material. Authorities detained two individuals who were found in possession of 9,600 gelatin sticks, 9,400 detonators, and over 1,800 meters of Cordtex, a specialised detonating cord.
This operation comes amid heightened vigilance by the Assam Rifles, particularly along the Indo-Myanmar border, following reports suggesting that Myanmar’s People’s Defence Force (PDF) was attempting to smuggle explosives and other illegal items across the porous boundary. The Assam Rifles, India’s primary border security force in the region, has increased its surveillance efforts to curb such cross-border trafficking, which has the potential to destabilise security on both sides of the border.
This seizure marks the second major instance in recent weeks of Assam Rifles intercepting a significant quantity of explosives headed towards Myanmar. On October 12, the force uncovered a cache of 39,000 detonators from a hideout near the Tiau River, a prominent point along the India-Myanmar border known for its susceptibility to illicit activities. This was preceded by a similar incident in May, where a cadre of the Chin Resistance Force (CRF), another Myanmar-based militant group, was apprehended attempting to smuggle bullets, radio sets, and tactical gear through Mizoram.
The India-Myanmar border, stretching over 1,600 kilometers, is notorious for its difficult terrain and numerous informal crossings, which have long facilitated illegal movements of goods and people. With ongoing conflict in Myanmar and a fragmented political landscape, militant groups such as the PDF and CRF are believed to be using India’s northeastern states, particularly Mizoram, as transit routes for acquiring and transporting supplies crucial to their resistance efforts. This poses a distinct security challenge for India, as the country seeks to secure its borders while maintaining relations with the government in Myanmar.
Earlier this year, the 40-member Mizoram Assembly recently passed a resolution opposing the central government’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border and scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR). The FMR, which allows tribal communities on both sides of the border to move freely within a 16-kilometer belt, is seen as vital for preserving cultural and familial ties across the boundary. Mizoram leaders believe that fencing would disrupt these connections and strain cross-border relations, particularly amid Myanmar’s ongoing internal conflict. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma reiterated this stance during his visit to the United States, expressing concern over the potential impact of border fencing on community ties.
The porous nature of this boundary has rendered it vulnerable to trafficking of arms, ammunition, narcotics, and other contraband, necessitating a strong and consistent security presence. In recent months, Assam Rifles and other border security forces have ramped up efforts to control and monitor border movement, focusing on intercepting weapon and explosive smuggling aimed at equipping militant groups across the border.
The seizure of such a substantial quantity of explosives not only raises serious concerns about regional security but also highlights the potential risk posed by Myanmar’s internal conflict spilling over into India. The current geopolitical dynamics in the region make it imperative for Indian security forces to maintain proactive and effective counter-smuggling operations.
India’s response to these incidents will likely involve further tightening of security protocols along the border, including heightened intelligence sharing, increased patrolling, and greater cooperation between state and central agencies. Additionally, close cooperation with Myanmar could be critical to dismantling the supply chains that allow these groups to operate.
The investigation into the latest seizure on the Serchhip-Thenzawl road is ongoing, with authorities probing the origins of the explosives and the intended recipients in Myanmar. The detained individuals could provide valuable intelligence about the network of suppliers, intermediaries, and beneficiaries involved in this dangerous trade.
This incident underscores the ongoing and complex security challenges along the India-Myanmar border, where geopolitical tensions, insurgent activities, and smuggling syndicates intersect. The recent success of Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police in intercepting the explosives demonstrates the efficacy of intelligence-driven operations. However, sustained vigilance, increased resources, and regional cooperation will be crucial in containing the threat posed by cross-border smuggling of arms and explosives in this sensitive area.
