In an article recently published, it has been uncovered that an American company has been supplying fuel to the military-led State Administration Council (SAC) in Myanmar. This revelation comes as Indian intelligence agencies have brought to light this concerning development, even as accusations of India’s involvement in fuel provision to junta soldiers circulate among pro-democracy groups.
According to classified information accessed by Northeast News, a range of Indian officials, including representatives from intelligence agencies, paramilitary forces, Military Intelligence, Mizoram police, Excise and Narcotics, and Customs, are aware of the involvement of this undisclosed US company.
While officials are cognizant of the fact that the American company has been utilizing an indirect route to supply fuel to the SAC, they express skepticism regarding the involvement of US government organizations in the provision of “weapons and fuels” to the SAC. Allegations of Indian collaboration with the SAC in the supply of fuel and military equipment have been brought forward by the Myanmar pro-democracy outfit, Justice for Myanmar, according to information available to Indian agencies.
Headed by General Min Aung Hlaing, who assumed power following a coup d’état in February 2021, the SAC has continued to be a source of concern. In August of the same year, Hlaing appointed himself as Myanmar’s Prime Minister.
Indian security agencies have assessed that despite facing several military setbacks across the country, the Myanmar Army (MA) remains engaged in conflict with insurgent forces.
The MA initiated forced conscription in April of this year, compiling lists of young men from various regions, states, and townships.
Fearing a surge in the influx of Myanmar nationals into India and potential recruitment of youth into insurgent groups, Indian agencies have closely monitored the situation. They report 87 “conscription-related incidents” across 20 townships in Hakha, Tedim, Shan, and Rakhine states.
According to a senior official, in Rakhine State, predominantly Rohingya individuals have been conscripted as a result of an agreement between the SAC and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). However, the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) vehemently opposes involvement with the MA.
A review conducted by Indian agencies of the security landscape in Myanmar from January to April 2024 reveals escalating clashes and conflicts in ethnic regions, resulting in heavy casualties for the MA.
While one Indian security organization notes that the rebel Arakan Army has refrained from committing atrocities against other ethnic groups in Rakhine State, the influx of Myanmar nationals into India’s Mizoram is attributed to forced conscription drives by the SAC and intergroup conflict.
Despite concerns, Indian security officials stationed along the Myanmar-India border report a limited number—no more than 30—of men from the Khumi ethnic group seeking refuge in Mizoram after the seizure of Paletwa, a strategic port-town in Chin State, by the Arakan Army.
The continuous influx of refugees from Myanmar into Mizoram persists. Recent data compiled by Indian border forces indicates that over 34,000 refugees have been accommodated in 149 relief camps spread across 11 districts of Mizoram. On May 8, 95 individuals from Myanmar were recorded crossing into Mizoram.
Additionally, there has been an alarming surge in the trafficking of narcotics into Indian territory. Official documents reveal the seizure of 12 kg of heroin, 50 kg of methamphetamine, 11 kg of crystal meth, and 300 kg of cannabis (or ganja) between January and March 2024.
