Overview of Allegations
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mizoram Police, and Assam Rifles have officially denied allegations made by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) regarding the existence of a secret underground tunnel used for drug smuggling along the Mizoram-Myanmar border. According to COCOMI’s press release on January 25, 2025, a tunnel allegedly facilitates the illegal entry of drugs into Indian territories and poses a major security threat, particularly to the Northeastern region.
COCOMI’s Concerns
COCOMI expressed alarm over media reports indicating the presence of a large underground tunnel capable of accommodating heavy vehicles for smuggling purposes. The organization also alleged that certain groups in Mizoram are complicit in a larger conspiracy aiming to create a separate Christian state called Zo-land, covering parts of India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
DRI’s Rebuttal
In response, the DRI strongly refuted these claims. An official stated that while the agency has successfully intercepted significant quantities of drugs—including methamphetamine, heroin, ganja, and hydroponic weed—none of these seizures were linked to an underground tunnel. Since April 2024, the DRI has confiscated over Rs. 355 crore worth of contraband from Myanmar through Mizoram, but no evidence of a secret tunnel has been found. Seizures have instead occurred in areas like Cachar (Assam) and Agartala (Tripura), which do not involve a tunnel system.
Anti-Drug Operations by DRI
The DRI continues to prioritize efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Northeast. Since the start of the current financial year, 36 cases have been registered, with 70 individuals arrested, including seven women. The DRI emphasized its commitment to dismantling the drug networks but reiterated that the allegations of a secret smuggling tunnel are unfounded.
Assam Rifles’ Statement
The Assam Rifles, which patrols the 510 km border between Mizoram and Myanmar, also denied the claims. An Assam Rifles officer stated that no reports or rumors of such an underground passage exist. While the porous nature of the border poses challenges for border security, the officer stressed that a tunnel of such magnitude would be impossible to overlook.
Mizoram Police Response
The Mizoram Police also dismissed the allegations as baseless. A senior police official pointed out that constructing a tunnel under the Tiau River—which demarcates the Mizoram-Myanmar border—would be an incredibly difficult feat, even for a state government. The official criticized the allegations as imaginary and suggested that they were part of a political narrative aimed at damaging the reputation of Mizoram’s administration and its people.
Mizoram Government’s Stand
Mizoram’s Home Department issued a statement supporting the official stance, asserting that no such tunnel exists. The department highlighted the state government’s ongoing commitment to combating drug trafficking and border security. The accusations were described as politically motivated and lacking any credible evidence.
Conclusion
The allegations made by COCOMI about a secret tunnel used for drug smuggling have been firmly rejected by the Mizoram Police, DRI, and Assam Rifles. Authorities remain dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by drug trafficking in the Northeastern region and ensuring the security of the Mizoram-Myanmar border.
