Drug Trafficking by the ‘Men in Uniform’ and its Impact on Women in Manipur

Manipur, which shares a border with Myanmar, is considered as one of the world's leading producers of opium and amphetamines. People from almost every section of the Manipuri society, including the insurgents, are involved in drug trafficking. The porous geographical boundary and its proximity to the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos and Thailand), coupled with decades of armed conflict and total breakdown of law and order have created a suitable environment for drug trafficking in Manipur. The article attempts to look into and analyze the cases of drug trafficking by the ‘Men in Uniform’ (Indian Armed Forces, and state police) in Manipur. It also looks into the impact that this has had on the people, especially on women, living in Manipur.