M A I N   N E W S

India, Myanmar agree to tackle
cross-border terrorism
S. Satyanarayanan
Tribune news Service

New Delhi, October 15
India and Myanmar have agreed to further strengthen cooperation for tackling the activities of insurgents, arms smugglers, drug traffickers and other hostile elements along the border with Myanmar assuring that arms smugglers would be severely punished if caught on its soil.

At the 11th Home Secretary-level talks between the two countries at Yangon capital of Myanmar, the two sides also reviewed the status of various infrastructural projects in Myanmar, particularly in the road and power sectors, over which the two countries had agreed to cooperate.

They also discussed issues relating to security, border trade, border management and proposed infrastructure projects in Myanmar.

The Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary V K Duggal while the Myanmar side was headed by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Brig-Gen. Phone Swe.

It was agreed that, when completed, these infrastructure projects would help in the economic development of border areas and promote greater movement and interaction among people across the border.

The Myanmar side requested sympathetic consideration for their fishermen who cross the maritime boundary inadvertently.

The Union Home Secretary suggested setting up of a working group, which can evolve a mechanism so that innocent fishermen from both sides who drift into the territorial waters of the other side, are not put to hardship.

The Home Secretary also suggested that in future, issues likely to be discussed at the national level meetings be exchanged between the two sides at least three months in advance so that the discussions at the meeting could be more specific and fruitful.

On India’s request, the Myanmar side also agreed to look into the release of five Indian nationals who were arrested by the Myanmarese Army in June.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation for curbing drug trafficking.