Concern raised in RS over reported intrusion by Myanmar troops

Concern was raised in the Rajya Sabha over reported intrusion by Myanmar troops with a CPI member warning that India could lose a sizable territory if strong steps are not taken to check such attempts.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, D Raja (CPI) said Myanmar troops have attempted to construct base camps in Indian side and fencing along the border in Manipur where there is no demarcation of boundary between the two countries which was a serious 'national security' issue.

'The entire state (Manipur) is in tension as base camps have been set up (by Myanmar troops) about 100 mt inwards from the national boundary which means a big territory loss to India,' Raja said.

Urging the government to initiate tough measures to check such attempts, Raja said, 'At least 15 villages will be forced to be left out of India...'

He said the idea of fencing was to check smuggling of drugs and prevent cross-border terrorism but the Myanmar army is constructing base camps.

Raising another issue, Najma Heptulla (BJP) drew the attention of the government including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was in the House, towards shortage of milk impacting the health of the children in the country especially in the wake killing of bovine animals for export of meat.

'India has left behind nations like Australia and New Zealand in beef export, which is mostly made from UP causing a problems in children as they are not getting milk as even milch animals are slaughtered,' Heptulla said.

This was strongly objected by Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla who said India did not export 'beef' on which Heptulla corrected it saying it was buffalo meat.