At the far eastern edge of India, lies the Zokhawthar border in Champhai, Mizoram—a region where biodiversity collides with the harsh realities of illegal trade. Stretching across a 160 km porous international boundary with Myanmar, this remote region has become a crucial route for trade. However, beneath the surface of legitimate trade lies a troubling reality: Zokhawthar has become a hub for smuggling, including wildlife trafficking, drugs, arms, and even human trafficking.

Despite ongoing efforts by enforcement agencies, the challenges posed by the region’s rugged terrain, sparse population, and limited infrastructure make it a tough battleground in the fight against illegal activities. The Zokhawthar border, in particular, has emerged as a major route for the illegal wildlife trade (IWT), with endangered species such as pangolins, turtles, and exotic birds being smuggled into India from Myanmar.

A view from the Zokhawthar border in Champhai, Mizoram | Photo by Monesh Tomar

According to reports from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) traffickers move wildlife products like pangolin scales, bear bile, and even tiger parts across this porous border, feeding the growing demand in black markets across the globe. Enforcement agencies have intercepted shipments of live animals destined for international markets, in February 2024, authorities seized a truck carrying over 49 exotic birds, including macaws and cockatoos, on their way from Myanmar into Mizoram. The situation is further complicated by the close ethnic ties between the Mizo and Chin communities on both sides of the Indo-Myanmar border. These cultural bonds facilitate easy movement across the frontier, often making it challenging for authorities to distinguish between legitimate traders and smugglers. Many people in these border regions rely on cross-border trade for their livelihood, and for some, this includes dealing in illegal wildlife products and other contraband. This interconnectedness has facilitated deeply entrenched cross-border networks to thrive, connecting local wildlife traders with international trafficking syndicates.

IWT  is not the only issue plaguing Champhai’s Zokhawthar border. The region is also a key route for narcotics smuggling, particularly methamphetamine and heroin, which flow from the Golden Triangle—a well-known drug-producing region where Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand meet. Even though enforcement agencies like the Assam Rifles frequently intercept drug shipments, the sheer volume of narcotics smuggled through this area points to the enormity of the problem.

The workshop aimed to strengthening capacity of enforcement officials to combat IWT on the Indo-Myanmar border| Photo by Monesh Tomar

In light of these growing challenges, a ‘One-day Workshop on Identification of Wildlife Articles’ was organised on 3rd September 2024 at the Champhai Press Club. The event was conducted by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) in collaboration with the EF & CC Department Mizoram and WCCB, Government of India with the support of The Serenity Trust.

The workshop aimed to strengthen the skills of frontline enforcement personnel in identifying illegally traded wildlife products and live species, as well as the recent amendments to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

A total of 41 officials from various departments in Champhai District, including representatives from the EF & CC Department, Police, Excise & Narcotics Department, Customs, Assam Rifles, and the Champhai MJA, participated in the workshop. They underwent comprehensive training on identifying various species, both exotic and native, and were educated on the pressing issue of IWT, particularly along the Indo-Myanmar border.

The participants were given hands-on training on identifying wildlife contraband | Photo by Monesh Tomar

Mr. Lalbiakchama Chawngthu, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer of Champhai, highlighted the urgency of protecting Mizoram’s biodiversity, which forms part of the Indo-Burman biodiversity hotspot. He emphasised that the cooperation of government departments and the public is crucial in safeguarding the region’s rich natural heritage.

Dr. Pragatheesh A., Wildlife Inspector, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau conducted hands-on training for enforcement personnel on identifying wildlife contraband and highlighted the issue of wildlife smuggling through the Indo-Myanmar border. Mr. Monesh Singh Tomar, Senior Field Officer, WTI, emphasised the need for a collaborative effort to stop the illegal trade of both exotic and native species through the Zokhwthar border.

The Zokhawthar border sits at a crossroads, where the rich biodiversity of the Indo-Burman region meets the harsh reality of illegal trade. Protecting this region’s wildlife, especially vulnerable species like pangolins and turtles requires more than just enforcement. It calls for a coordinated approach involving intelligence-sharing, cross-border cooperation, and stronger infrastructure.