NE militants smuggle Chinese arms into India through Myanmar

Chinese weapons in large numbers are finding their way to the north-eastern states through five major routes most of which pass through Myanmar territory, a senior intelligence official said in Moreh.

Chinese weapons in large numbers are finding their way to the north-eastern states through five major routes most of which pass through Myanmar territory, a senior intelligence official said in Moreh.

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"Around 80 per cent of the weapons seized or recovered from the militants in recent years have 'star' mark on them, which means they were manufactured in China," he said.

Over four dozen militant groups are active along India-Myanmar border and they smuggle the traditional weapons like AK series rifles, grenades, pistols, cartridges and bombs into India through four land routes and one sea route.

Most of the weapons are brought from the southwestern China's Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar, the official said.

The weapons are smuggled into India via Ukhrul, Moreh in Chandel and Churachandpur, the districts bordering Myanmar, and some parts of Mizoram. The sea route involves Bangladesh's Chittagong port from where the weapons are sent to militants in the north-east, he said.

Though some weapons are of other origin but majority of them are Chinese, he said.