China’s unconventional warfare against India is marked by a harrowing combination of extortion, armed violence, and the drug trade, particularly in the northeastern states. Over decades, various armed insurgent groups funded by China have entrenched themselves in this region, leaving families in constant fear for their children, who face recruitment into these groups or risk becoming involved in drug addiction.
A disturbing trend is the unofficial “sovereignty tax” imposed by these insurgent factions, such as the National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) and the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA). Reports indicate that as much as 22 percent of state government employees’ salaries are deducted at disbursement offices, a practice facilitated by negotiations between disbursement officers and the armed groups to lower this figure to around 10 to 12 percent. Even state funds earmarked for development projects are mandated to contribute a percentage to these groups, as confirmed by KK Sema, a retired IAS officer who has opposed this tax. “The state government employees are paying 22 percent of their salary before it reaches them,” Sema explained, exposing a reality that the government denies.
This extensive extortion network affects nearly every aspect of life. Insurgent groups demand a cut from everything-vegetables, small businesses, trucks, and farm produce-further entrenching their influence. NDTV obtained exclusive insights into the NSCN-IM’s financial blueprint for the fiscal year 2025-26, revealing plans to amass over ₹158 crores through what they dub “sovereignty tax” on various goods, effectively a guise for extortion. Small shop owners, intimidated by armed militants, find themselves compelled to comply.
Additionally, the smuggling of inexpensive betel nut from Myanmar substantially finances these groups, with the NSCN-IM projecting revenue of ₹2 crores just from this commodity alone. Such practices not only spur illegal economies but also lead to price fluctuations in the region. “Prices can rise sharply without any genuine cause. In mere hours, the cost of tomatoes can double, catching residents off guard,” Sema noted. Civil society has begun to push back against this oppressive environment, with community efforts exposing taxation schemes camouflaged as legitimate taxes.
Compounding the issue, elements within local law enforcement and administration reportedly collude with these insurgent factions. Instances have surfaced involving prominent figures, such as Vumsuan Naulak, the Chairman of the Zomi Council, showcasing alarming ties to child soldiers, hinting at deeper entrenchment within the system.
Efforts by the Assam Rifles and state police to regain control have seen recent successes, including the neutralization of ten insurgent cadres and the seizure of multiple sophisticated weapons near the India-Myanmar border. Between January 2024 and April 2025, Dimapur Police registered 58 extortion cases, leading to 81 arrests and the capture of 78 firearms, including weapons manufactured in China.
Meanwhile, Ikato Chishi Swu, son of a late NSCN-IM founder, has emerged as a controversial figure during these operations, reportedly residing in China and claiming to distance himself from the group he describes as “corrupt.” Despite the setbacks, armed groups remain resourced through Chinese funding and advanced weaponry, perpetuating an unending cycle of violence and fear.
As this situation evolves, the connection between China and the influx of drugs into India as part of its broader strategy will be examined in an upcoming segment, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by a region caught in the crosshairs of geopolitical conflicts.
Original Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ndtv-ground-report-extortion-part-of-chinas-unconventional-war-on-india-8476967
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Publish Date: 2025-05-25 09:26:00
