Y Merina Chishi
Pangsha | July 1
The once promising International Trade Centre (ITC) at Pangsha in Tuensang district is today nothing but a mere strip of land between improvised villages on either side. The link road which connects the ITC, Pangsha to Hempu Naga village in Myanmar exists merely as a trade point in the map and it appears that India’s ‘look-east policy’ is failing miserably. With two iron pillars as demarcation, the trade point offers nothing which can boost the economy of the country or the state. The government has scrutinized the ITC several times which generated euphoria among the people of the region. Such initiatives have failed to progress and the free trade area remains a porous border for passage of mere illegal goods.
Among the many goods that freely enter the markets in the region are drugs and alcohol. According to reports, a variety of Myanmar-branded liquor ranging from beer, whiskey and rum to gin is available. The closest big market is Noklak town just a few kilometres away from Pangsha village where liquor business is reportedly doing well. Sources say a full bottle of ‘imported’ whisky from Myanmar is available at Rs.150, half the price of Indian brands. Canned beer is also reported to be very cheap and it is common to sight used cans adorning homes. These liquors make their way into other parts of the state as well.
The area, which falls under the ‘golden triangle’ is also notorious for drug trafficking. Apart from a host of narcotics, opium in raw form and marijuana are some of the largest illicit drugs entering the region, sources say. Since it is relatively safer for people from the Myanmar side to enter into Nagaland, chances are that such businesses are flourishing in the region. Several people from Myanmar on two wheelers have been spotted in Noklak town which also indicates free movement of vehicles. At a time when the region is struggling to contain HIV and AIDS, people express concerns over the free flow of drugs. And while many are aware of who is controlling the drug trade, they refuse to comment. There is no form of vigilance near the ITC and the nearest police outpost is in Noklak.
The region also had a traditional boundary before the ITC was set up and trade existed between both sides. The market shed in Pangsha has seen little success where strict international trade norms are followed. Apart from local produce and meat, the market days run dry. Bartering also still prevails as the value of Myanmar currency is very low compared to the Indian Rupee.
Ministers may have explained India’s ‘look-east policy’ to illiterate villagers with promises of good fortune, but that achievement has miles to go. Unless the government decides to look east, it appears the ITC will remain just another unfortunate line that divides families across borders.
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