THOUNAOJAM BRINDA was a nightmare for Manipur's drug cartel. She ventured into remote hills and destroyed hectares of poppy plantations, and arrested many VIPs who had links with the drug mafia. When she was the ASP of Narcotics and Affairs of Border, people affectionately called her Lady Singham, drawing inspiration from the movie Singham in which a courageous police officer fights corruption and injustice. After facing political interference, Brinda resigned and later contested in the assembly polls. She returned her gallantry award after the accused in a drug case was acquitted. Excerpts from an interview:
Q/ Does narco-terrorism exist in Manipur? Meitei civil society leaders and politicians are using the term extensively.
A/ In Manipur, I might have been the first person to use this term. There is evidence to suggest the existence of narco-terrorism. The typical characteristics associated with it, such as the utilisation of drug profits to acquire arms and the use of power and money to terrorise people, can be observed in the region.
Q/ Do all stakeholders in the drug cartel―farmers, middlemen and international traders―belong to the same community as it is portrayed?
A/ The poppy cartel in Manipur can be divided into four distinct groups. First, there is the top-level group that reaps the maximum share of profits. Second, there are the financiers. Third, there are the militants, commonly referred to as narco-terrorists. Last, there are the farmers, who are the poorest among these groups.
Farmers are the ones who work tirelessly, investing their labour and time in poppy cultivation. They face extreme poverty and struggle to provide even the basic needs of their children, such as warm clothing in the winter, which coincides with the poppy season. Middlemen then enter the picture, followed by militants and financiers. It is important to note that these groups comprise individuals from all communities. Affluent individuals from various communities actively finance the poppy business. Some of the wealthiest elites across communities are involved in supporting and investing in the poppy cartel.
Q/ What role do politicians play in the narco-terrorism business in Manipur?
A/ A few months ago, the chief minister of Manipur acknowledged that militants under suspension of operation (SoO) agreements were involved in the drug business. These militants, who are considered narco-terrorists, have a ceasefire arrangement with the state and Central governments. The government of Manipur has custody over these militants. If individuals under the custody of the government are freely moving around with arms, collecting drug taxes, and involving themselves in the poppy cartel, it raises questions about the responsibility of the custodial authorities. It is the duty of the custodian to ensure that those under their custody are not engaged in illegal activities.
Q/ Were these riots pre-planned? How did it escalate so quickly and result in the the deaths of around 150 people and the destruction of many villages?
A/ This crisis is being made into a personal fight between the common Meiteis and the common Kukis by the forces and the agents that perpetuated themselves with the blood and sweat of the people. Violence erupted on May 3, and by 2:30pm it had spread. My question is, why did the government of Manipur not take timely action to control the situation, considering that there was ample time to do so? The planning and execution of such operations by these groups usually require days or even weeks. It seems strange that the chief minister and the government of Manipur had no intelligence on these events.
By around 4pm on the May 3, everything had happened. Government offices were vandalised and government property was set on fire. The government has shown great efficiency in arresting people, even fake Facebook accounts, by tracking their IDs. They have also booked numerous individuals under the National Security Act for criticising them on social media. So, it is evident that they are capable of tracking down those they deem as unwanted elements.
Given these circumstances, why did the government take so long to bring the chain of events under control before it went out of control? What role did they play in this entire conflict? It is said that when you remain silent in the face of injustice, you become an accomplice.
Q/ People from the Kuki community are accusing Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun of fuelling the unrest.
A/ It has been reported that Arambai Thenggol and Meitei Leepun have been advocating for the collective interests of Manipur. As a Meitei and a patriot, I feel compelled to question everything happening in this critical situation that Manipur is currently facing. I want to know who is or who are the individuals behind Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun. Once we get that answer, we may find answers to all other questions.
Q/ Both communities accuse the police and security forces of taking sides. In such a critical moment, when ordinary people are desperately seeking justice, do you regret resigning from the police?
A/ As someone who is not inherently obedient and who often questions various aspects of the system, I realise that I am not suited for a role within it. As a Manipuri, I am responding to the events unfolding around me. Recently, I lost my son, and I am currently mourning. I am just a mother, attempting to awaken the consciousness of other mothers. The crisis we are currently facing has the potential to shape the future of Manipur for generations to come. What we are confronted with is the scourge of narco-terrorism, which has plagued our state for the past three decades. It fills us with shame. I hope that all those who love Manipur will awaken and unite at this moment, to collectively make a U-turn and set an example of prosperity and harmony for our future.