India seeks Myanmar help to curb insurgency in N-E

In what has become a ritual of sorts, India has again requested Myanmar's cooperation for dismantling training camps and operational headquarters of Indian insurgent groups in its territory.

In what has become a ritual of sorts, India has again requested Myanmar's cooperation for dismantling training camps and operational headquarters of Indian insurgent groups in its territory.

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The northeast Indian insurgent groups - mainly from Assam, Manipur and Nagaland - have training camps just 30-50km from the Indian border in Myanmar, housing thousands of armed militants.

Past requests by India failed to bear fruit as many regions in Myanmar are controlled by insurgent groups, including the Naga, Kachin and Shan tribes.

Officials have told HT that Myanmar-hard pressed for resources and fighting equipment-simply cannot afford to open up another front near the Indian border, with troops already involved in an ongoing battle with the Kachins up north.

The request for coordinated patrolling along the border and dismantling of camps came up during the 18th national level meeting between Myanmar and India.

The Indian team was led by AK Mangotra, secretary, border management, while the Myanmar delegation was led by Brig Gen Kyaw Zan Myint, deputy minister for home affairs.

Sources said a fourth Border Liaison Office would be set up in the Nagaland sector, between Ukhrul in Manipur and Somra in Myanmar.