Myanmar to Counter N-E Outfits

Tura MP upbeat on visit

Shillong, Feb. 11 : Myanmar has assured India of action against militant groups from the Northeast taking shelter in the neighbouring country. Tura MP Agatha Sangma, who was a member of a recent delegation to Myanmar, along with Vice-President Hamid Ansari, today said the military officials of that country had assured them co-operation to tackle militant activities in that country. Sangma, who returned to the state yesterday after the three-day visit to the neighbouring country which ended on Sunday, told The Telegraph that without any specific reference to any militant outfit, Myanmar had assured that it would take necessary steps to tackle the activities of the Northeast militants. “The Vice-President raised the issue of militants taking shelter in Myanmar with the top military officials and said the porous border was a cause of concern,” Sangma said. He also urged the Myanmarese officials to co-operate with India to tackle militancy, as the militant activities will hamper development of both the countries. The Indian delegation also tried to convince the Myanmar military that terrorism is a global menace and this needs to be fought in a united manner. To improve better communication facilities between the two countries, a cross-border fibre optic cable was also installed along the Myanmar border during the visit of the Indian delegation. According to Sangma, the installation of the fibre optic cable will improve telephone connectivity, as the ISD calls to both the countries would be cheaper. Myanmar is also keen to boost trade with India, especially through the Moreh border in Manipur, Sangma said. The Myanmarese officials also expressed their gratitude to India for the assistance given to them during the cyclone that devastated the country resulting in displacement of a large number of people. On the positive outcome, Sangma said the visit to the neighbouring country would definitely improve bilateral relations. “The more we interact, the more we can reduce the tension arising out of security-related issues,” Sangma said. The importance of India’s Look East Policy was also explained to the Myanmarese government by the Vice-President during the visit. “As the Northeast is the doorway to the South East Asian countries, we wanted Myanmar to take keen interest in the Look East Policy to improve connectivity and trade,” Sangma added.