India, Myanmar to act against terrorists

AIZAWL - India and Myanmar will work together to curb trans-border movement of terrorists, smuggling of arms and to prevent drugs trafficking, officials said here Monday.

The Indian home ministry and Myanmars Chin state have agreed to boost border security and share information on cross-border terrorism, a Mizoram home department official said.

A meeting between the central government and Myanmar representatives in eastern Mizorams Champhai town took place Friday.

The official said: Myanmar authorities have agreed to allow Indian security forces to enter Myanmar territory along the border after getting permission from the (local) army post commander.

The Indian delegation was led by home ministrys joint secretary S. Singh and the Myanmar officials were headed by U. Nay Wing, the army commander of Chin state.

According to Indian officials, several militants from the northeast have taken shelter in Myanmar and Bangladesh and have set up bases and training camps.

After the Bangladesh crackdown against northeast militants, many guerrillas of Indian outfits took shelter in the jungles and hills of Myanmar, a Border Security Force (BSF) official said.

A Mizoram home department official said that though Mizoram was the only state in the region free of separatist activities, militants from other neighbouring states occasionally use its borders for safe passage.

It was also agreed at the meeting that Myanmar security officials will learn English or Hindi to overcome communication problems. Mizo language is presently accepted as the medium of communication.

The next meeting of the border liaison officers will be held in Myanmar in early April to review the progress of the joint action.

Mizoram has a 404-km border with Myanmar and a 318-km with Bangladesh.

Four Indian states - Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram - share the 1,640-km border with Myanmar manned by Assam Rifles. The dense forests in most parts make the border porous and highly vulnerable.