May 3, 2010

Indo MyanmarRelations: Synergy in Operations and Development

Indo Myanmarborder remains one of the most underdeveloped areas in the country andaccessibility to many areas is limited. There are thus ample opportunitiesfor  terrorist groups of both sides to operate with impunity and this belthas been exploited to advantage. There is now consensus that joint operationsby Indian and Myanmarforces would provide a tactical and short term solution and development a longterm one. “We want to develop infrastructure in the border with specialemphasis on developing connectivity,” the Myanmarenvoy in New Delhi Ambassador U Kyi Thein is reported to have told themedia. 

Ambassador U Kyi Theinindicated progress in this direction, “We have informed Indiaof our requirements to help us in fighting against the insurgents,” the Myanmarenvoy said. “Indiahas agreed to provide us with our military requirements, but I cannot sharewith you our requirements,” Thein said.  There are 15 insurgents’ camps ofIndian groups operating from Myanmarwhich include Manipur-based United National Liberation Front, People’sLiberation Army (PLA) and the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, People’s RevolutionaryParty of Kangleipak, Assam-based United Liberation Front of Asom and bothfactions of National Socialist of Nagaland outfits operating from Sagaingdivision and the Chin Stateof Myanmar. Myanmaroutfits like the Kachin Independent Army (KIA) and Karen National LiberationArmy (KNLA) are also active in the area. [Based on Nagaland Post report 11 April 2010]. Hopefully the Myanmargovernment will follow up and Indiaand Myanmarwill under take joint operations and development in the border areas to overcome the challenge in the days ahead.

MAY 2010