June 26 is a particularly significant day for Manipur. This day is observed worldwide as both the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Unfortunately, Manipur has a troubling record on both fronts. The state frequently makes headlines for the excessive force used by its security forces against individuals who oppose the state for various reasons. Additionally, drug abuse in Manipur is a serious and growing issue. The state faces unique challenges in addressing this problem due to its geographic location, socio-political situation, and economic conditions, all of which complicate efforts to control drug abuse.

Custodial torture in Manipur

In 2018, the Supreme Court of India reviewed the case of 1,528 alleged extrajudicial killings by police and security forces in Manipur, following two significant rulings in 2016 and 2017. This marked a pivotal step in addressing serious human rights abuses and confronting past instances of impunity. The cases, some dating back to 1979, were brought before the Supreme Court in 2012 by victims, their families, and NGOs in Manipur.

The Supreme Court’s 2016 landmark judgement underscored that any claims of excessive or retaliatory force by uniformed personnel resulting in deaths required comprehensive investigation. The court made it clear that such force was unacceptable even in operations against suspected insurgents and miitants. Additionally, the apex court emphasised the need for thorough investigations and broader truth-seeking approaches in legal judgements, reflecting the severity of the extrajudicial killings.

According to Human Rights Watch, the protests after the killing of Thangjam Manorama, a 32-year-old woman from Manipur by Assam Rifles on 11 July, 2004 should have alerted the government about the abuses by security forces. However, despite assurances by the government against human rights violations, security forces continued to commit abuses with impunity including extrajudicial executions and torture in their fight against militant groups.

While security forces face challenging conditions, it is essential for the State to protect citizens’ fundamental rights. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) grants military personnel extraordinary powers including the authority to arrest, search without a warrant, and shoot to kill if deemed necessary for public order. The National Security Act, 1980, permits broad detention powers to prevent threats to national security.

The AFSPA covers the army and air force and by extension, the Assam Rifles. Similarly, section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure shields public officials from prosecution unless approved by the government, making such prosecutions rare. Disciplinary actions by internal courts are seldom disclosed, leaving their effectiveness in doubt.

Drugs abuse in Manipur

The problem of drug abuse in Manipur can be traced back to the geopolitical positioning of the state. Situated along the international border with Myanmar, Manipur lies on a crucial segment of the notorious “Golden Triangle”—a major global hub for opium production. This proximity has facilitated the easy influx of drugs, particularly heroin and other opiates, into the region. Over the years, this has not only led to widespread addiction but also fuelled the local drug trade.

The socio-economic impact of drug abuse in Manipur is profound. A significant portion of the state’s youth is affected, leading to a decrease in productivity and an increase in crime rates. The addiction problem hampers educational progress and employment opportunities creating a vicious cycle of poverty and substance abuse. Families are often torn apart as members grapple with addiction leading to social instability and a breakdown of community structures.

Health issues stemming from drug abuse are rampant. The spread of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C through shared needles is a major concern. Despite efforts to implement harm reduction strategies, the rates of infection remain alarmingly high. The state’s healthcare system, already under strain, struggles to cope with the additional burden of treating drug-related illnesses and providing rehabilitation services.

On Wednesday, Chief Minister Singh attributed the ongoing crisis in the state to drug issues and illegal poppy cultivation. He linked the ‘war on drugs,’ initiated on 3 November, 2018, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ campaign, to the current conflict between the hills and plains regions of Manipur. Singh emphasised that the state would intensify efforts to combat the drug problem.

Singh reported that in the 2021-2022 period, authorities detected 28,598.91 acres of illegal poppy cultivation, which was reduced to 11,288.07 acres by 2023-2024. Despite this area being less than 1?per cent of the state’s total area of 22,327 square kilometres, it remains significant in its impact.

Since the launch of the war on drugs, approximately 19,135 acres of illegal poppy fields have been destroyed, and about 297 drug smugglers have been convicted. In April last year, Singh revealed that the state had around 1.3 lakh drug addicts, based on a survey by the Social Welfare Department. This figure translates to approximately 4.3?per cent of Manipur’s population of around 3 million.

In Manipur, substances abused include tobacco products like paan and cigarettes, ganja (marijuana), alcohol, opium, Spasmo Proxyvon (SP), Methamphetamine (WY), Codeine cough syrup and Pseudoephedrine among others.

Manipur’s dual crises

June 26 serves as a stark reminder of the dual crises facing Manipur: human rights abuses and rampant drug addiction. The state’s troubling history with custodial torture and extrajudicial killings underscores the urgent need for systemic reform and accountability within its security forces. Concurrently, Manipur’s geographic and socio-political landscape exacerbates its struggle with drug abuse profoundly impacting its youth and societal fabric. As Manipur navigates these challenges, the efforts to uphold human rights and combat drug trafficking must be robust and unwavering.

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Torture, drug abuse: Why two ‘days’ world marks today ring a louder bell in Manipur