Imphal ; US President Joe Biden drew his attention to the critical humanitarian and environmental concerns along the Indo-Myanmar border in the Manipur sector of India’s northeastern region. The Meitei diaspora and supporters, in an open letter to the US president, state that the drug proliferation and cross-border trafficking of narcotics along the porous Manipur-Myanmar border is one of the points of issue.

It also states that the unchecked flow of narcotics poses a significant threat to both India’s national security and global efforts to combat drug-related crime. The porous Indo-Myanmar border has become a hotspot for drug trafficking activities, with militant groups exploiting the region’s vulnerabilities.

The large-scale poppy plantations in the southern parts of Manipur bordering Myanmar lead to deforestation, and soil erosion and cause harm to vital ecosystems contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, and exacerbating global climate change, the letter states.

The president was also informed on the issue of illegal infiltration across borders, particularly the significant influx of refugees from Myanmar into India especially Manipur due to political unrest and economic hardship inside Myanmar. It also states that unchecked infiltration poses multifaceted challenges, including potential power struggles, threats to national security, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.

President Biden was also urged to advocate for addressing these issues on the global stage to foster international cooperation for the betterment of the indigenous people living in India’s northeastern states.