Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla reviewed India-Myanmar border fencing works and urged officials to accelerate progress. The meeting focused on border security, surveillance and coordination amid concerns over cross-border drug trafficking, arms smuggling and other illegal activities.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday reviewed the progress of ongoing India-Myanmar border fencing works during a high-level meeting with senior state officials, security personnel and representatives of border agencies at Lok Bhavan. The Governor urged officials to expedite the work to strengthen border management and address security challenges along the international boundary.
According to a Lok Bhavan official, Bhalla assessed the status of the fencing projects and asked the concerned authorities to accelerate implementation. The meeting brought together senior administrative and police officials, reflecting the importance of coordinated efforts to improve security along Manipur’s long and vulnerable border with Myanmar.
Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Mukesh Singh, State Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar and the Additional Chief Secretary attended the meeting. Officers from the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) and Assam Rifles, along with the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, were also present.
The Additional Deputy Commissioners of Churachandpur, Chandel and Tengnoupal participated in the meeting virtually. During the discussions, 25 BRTF Commanding Officer Colonel Dev delivered a detailed presentation outlining the progress of the ongoing border fencing works.
Five districts of Manipur—Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kamjong and Ukhrul—share a 398-kilometre international border with Myanmar that has remained unfenced. The difficult terrain and the length of the boundary present significant challenges for authorities responsible for preventing illegal cross-border movement and strengthening surveillance.
The review comes amid growing concerns over cross-border smuggling, including the trafficking of narcotics, illegal arms and other contraband goods. Manipur and neighbouring Mizoram have emerged as important transit corridors for drug trafficking in the Northeast because of their proximity to Myanmar and the wider Golden Triangle region.
The Golden Triangle, comprising parts of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, has long been associated with the illicit production and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Security agencies have faced persistent challenges in curbing the movement of drugs across the region’s porous international boundaries.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh recently highlighted the need for stronger management of the India-Myanmar border during a NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi. He stressed the importance of improved surveillance systems and coordinated action to combat drug trafficking, arms smuggling and human trafficking.
The Chief Minister also informed the meeting that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had completed 50 kilometres of border fencing to help prevent illegal arms and drug smuggling. Work on an additional 80 kilometres had commenced, according to the information he shared.
The broader border security challenge extends beyond Manipur. Six districts of Mizoram and five districts of Manipur share a combined 910-kilometre international boundary with Myanmar, much of which remains unfenced. Authorities have identified the region as vulnerable to the movement of narcotics and other illegal goods.
Items reportedly trafficked through these routes include methamphetamine tablets, heroin, foreign-made cigarettes, fertilisers and other contraband products. The scale of the challenge has increased the importance of strengthening border infrastructure, monitoring vulnerable routes and improving cooperation among security forces and enforcement agencies.
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The Governor’s review underscores the administration’s focus on accelerating border fencing and improving coordination among state authorities, the BRTF, Assam Rifles and district administrations. Faster implementation, together with effective surveillance and enforcement, is expected to support efforts to secure the international boundary and curb illegal cross-border activities.
Officials have been urged to maintain momentum in the ongoing works as authorities continue addressing security concerns along the India-Myanmar border.
