MARIANI, June 29 – Socio-economically the border town of Mariani had a close relationship with Nagaland ever since the latter was carved out in 1963. At the same time, the region has often hit the headlines, be it for Naga encroachment or for illegal drugs business. Lately, the region is developing into a new base for trafficking of arms and ammunition by outlawed organisations like the NSCN and ULFA. No doubt, that arms transactions were under progress through the region earlier also but recent incidents like CRPF’s seizure of cartridges from a local bus, reaffirms the bustling nature of the business.
It may be noted that the insurgents auction off their old ammunition when they acquire new foreign types. Usually this ‘selling off’ is done through mediators and a part of it is brought by the dwellers in the plains of Assam. A section of well-established citizens are also into the business. Sources reveal that such transactions are held at hotels and lodges near Sonowal and sometimes even in the town. Cartridges ranging from Rs 5 to 200 are also a part of the trade.
More serious and heavy transactions are held in the Naga basti’s established on Assam soil. These regions including some suspected areas along the town are also stock-piling such arms. Sources also reveal that trucks carrying oil and other commodities to and from Nagaland often carry such ammunitions and sometimes wine inside these oil cans and sacks. Lack of efficient security and negligency of the administration has strengthened this illegal business further.