India to Block Burmese Gem Smugglers

By Moitreyee Khaund/Northeast India

November 25, 2002

Irrawaddy

India’s customs authorities have stepped up operations along the India-Burma border after increasing discoveries of gems smuggled from Burma, Indian officials said.

"Burmese stones are in high demand in the Indian markets because of their quality and are also are cheaper compared to gems from other countries," an official said.

Burma is one of the world’s richest sources of precious stones. Burma’s northwest, particularly Kachin State and Sagaing Division, is noted for its jade reserves, as well as gold and rubies.

During the last couple of years, several seizures along border points in northeast India have caused concern for the Indian government. With increasing demand for Burmese gems in India, smuggling activity in the area has intensified and sources say smugglers have found different routes. Officials admit that with the mountainous terrain in the area, it is impossible to completely seal all points along the India-Burma border.

In 1996, seven states in northeast India demanded the national government deploy more forces to contain the menace, but New Delhi has failed to respond until now.

Sources also revealed that members of underground groups are mired in the trade. Militant groups in Kachin State and others across the border in the state of Manipur maintain a strong presence in the area and have been implicated in several smuggling operations. Indian officials have already arrested smugglers who they say are members of the United National Liberation Front, a Manipur-based group fighting for independence from federated India.

Officials say smugglers hire young Burmese men to help dispatch consignments to different points in India. "Burmese men are given very little money to transport goods for the smugglers. They are forced to follow the instructions of the smugglers," officials said.

Authorities in India say they have identified new smuggling routes and have already seized several shipments on route from Burma.