Assam Rifles intensifies patrolling along Indo-Myanmar border

The Assam Rifles has intensified patrolling on the India-Myanmar border, following reports of intrusion by the Myanmar Army along the Manipur border.

Recently, a high level committee constituted by the Manipur Government visited the Indo-Myanmar border to assess the situation at Moreh, and said that they were optimistic about smoothly settling the issue because India has maintained friendly relations with Myanmar.

"We have to sit and solve this problem. Burmese authority has cleared some jungle out there to construct a post, but we protested and now they have stopped. Similarly, from our side, we have resisted for sometime till the dispute is settled. I think it will be settled smoothly, because Myanmar is a friendly country to us. It is not a country that is an enemy to us. So, they also agree in many occasion and we also have to compromise in many occasion" Principle Secretary for Home, Manipur Suresh Babu had said.

Babu also said the issue would be taken up with the Home Ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

"We will take up with the Home Ministry and Ministry of External Affairs because as far as the settlement of the boundary dispute is concerned we can only express our views ultimately it has to be done by both the government of both the countries. We alone cannot make a settlement. We have gone to the Haolenphai village to see the current situation," he said.

Additionally, Manipur Governor Ashwani Kumar, who also visited the site, said that the Centre and the State Government is aware of the situation and are acting accordingly.

"The government, state government is already aware of what ever you have said. They also have full records and history. It is not only the state government of Manipur it is also the government of India. We are aware and action is being taken on this requirement," Kumar said.

Meanwhile, the village Chief of Haolenphai village made a request to the State and Central Government to take notice of the problems, and said that fear has penetrated into the village that the area will soon be occupied by Myanmar, against their wishes.

"I request the government of Manipur and Government of India to note that the village is part of India. However, Myanmar wants to occupy it. Due to ongoing fencing at the border, half of our village will be part of Myanmar. We do not want to be part of Myanmar. We want to remain with India," Alkhulun Haokip, the village chief, said.

Haolenphai village is located at about 3 kilometers to the south of Moreh Police station, just adjacent to the disputed border pillar number 76. The village with about 50 houses has a population of about 260 people.

The State officials had requested the Myanmar Army to stop the construction of their temporary platoon base camp at Haolenphai until issue was amicably settled.

The area where Myanmar soldiers attempted to set up their camp falls in a "no construction zone" as it is within 10 meters from the border.

Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also urged Assam Rifles to give a status report on the matter.

Manipur shares a 398-km border with Myanmar.

A joint meeting of 9th Assam Rifles and Myanmar Army was also held at Moreh.