2-hour pause in Myanmar border trade

Troopers of Assam Rifles deployed at Moreh, Manipur's border town, had shut the international gate from 7 to 9 am on Friday. Business at Namphalong just across the international border came to a standstill since Indian traders could not go there.

Assam Rifles sources said that the directives came from higher-ups.

Officials of Tengnoupal district under which Moreh town falls said, "This is a dress rehearsal since travel across the international border will be regulated soon".

Police sources said that persons staying within 16 km on either side of the international border are allowed to cross Moreh or Namphalong.

"People coming to the international markets beyond this limit wlll have to obtain immigration pass", said L. Waiphei, station house officer of Moreh police station.

Businessmen at Moreh say that bona fide traders from within the 16 km belt in both the countries will face no obstructions.

However people coming from other parts of Manipur and India will have to produce relevant documents to obtain the immigration pass.

A business woman, L. Tilotama, said, "One immigration pass valid up to 4 pm daily can be had now on payment of Rs 10 with no questions asked. With this pass an Indian trader can go up to Tamu, the next Myanmarese town".

Police sources said soon all sections of people will have to produce valid documents. Officials said that the restrictions will mean that insurgents and drug traffickers donot find it easy to get immigration passes.

--IANS

il/prs