Arms Market Flourishes in Northeast

Dimapur, Nagaland’s main commercial centre, the headquarters of the militant outfit NSCN (I-M) is also the crime hub of the Northeast.It’s the underbelly of the region that supplies everything from stolen vehicles to arms and ammunition to the rest of the country.

NDTV had earlier reported how arms and ammunition were being smuggled out of the Army’s 3 Corp HQ based in Dimapur.Even dynamites and explosives meant for the Border Roads Organisation were sold to civilians.

Now, UPDS, the Karbi militant outfit from Assam told NDTV how easy it is to buy AK series rifles or M-16s there.”In Nagaland every house has arms. Arms from there go to mainland India. Arms are available in Nagaland whether licensed or unlicensed. If you have one license they have three arms, arms can be bought for Rs 10,000,” said Tungthlongnoda, Publicity Secretary and Home Secretary, UPDS.

”Procuring arms in Nagaland is as easy as procuring paan in Assam. Individuals are supplying arms and ammo to civilian arms dealers. One AK ammo is lost by a jawan they cut Rs 20 from his salary but he will get Rs 200,” he added.

Proliferation of small arms and entry of explosives from Bangladesh and Myanmar has always been a concern.And there’s a well-oiled network at work, so delivery isn’t a problem.”In Southeast Asia arms market is in Chiangmai in Thailand. From there it comes to Burma and Bangladesh and then there are so many people who can bring it inside. Arms dealers bring it inside India there are dealers and subdealers, if you want it in Delhi they deliver it there as well. AK series and M16 is the most available arms in NE,” said Tungthlongnoda, Publicity Secretary and Home, Secretary, UPDS.And while the trade flourishes, police say they cannot do much.

”Even officers sell ammunition there. Actually there no one abides by the law, so Dimapur can do anything. They are not afraid of the law. Even the officers indulge in these things,” said S Talukdar, Inspector Railway Police.