India, Myanmar Hold Talks on Border Security

Aizawl, Dec 14 : With an aim to tighten security along the border, officials of India and Myanmar held discussions on border security and effective management of their frontier in Mizoram today.

The first Border Liaison Officers (BLO) meeting of the two countries was held at Champhai Deputy Commissioner's office in eastern Mizoram near the border on Sunday, official statement said here.

The Indian delegation, headed by Home Ministry's Joint Secretary S Singh, discussed security issues, measures to prevent drug trafficking, border management, border trade and trans-border development plans with Myanmarese authorities led by U Nay Aung, wing commander, Chin state.

U Nay Aung told the Indian delegates that he represented only a state and that he would forward the issues to the country's higher authorities in Yangon.

The meeting agreed that Champhai district authorities and Chin state authorities use Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cellular communication systems technology to keep in touch.

It was demonstrated during the meeting that CDMA network covered entire Myanmar.

Trans-border movement of terrorists and arms smuggling via Mizoram was high on the agenda.
''Although Mizoram is the only state in the northeast free from any activities of separatist outfits, terrorists of other states are occasionally using the state's border as safe passage,'' state Home officials said, adding that both the countries agreed to work together to curb terrorist activities across the border.

It was agreed in the meeting that Myanmar security officials learn English or Hindi at Champhai to overcome communication problems.

Mizo language was accepted as the medium of communication for the time being.

After the meeting, the Indian delegation handed over gifts to the Myanmar authorities, which included a Bolero LX van, three Super Splendor bikes, a 6KVA diesel generator, three computer sets and six wireless sets. The monetary value of the gifts was Rs 20 lakh, officials said.

The next meeting was scheduled to be held during April 2011.

Besides S Singh, the Indian delegation comprised R R Jha and Manoj Yadav from the Home ministry, H N Mishra, Director, Ministry of Home Affairs; S Rangnanathan, Indian diplomat to Myanmar; Anju Ranjan, U/S ministry of External Affairs and Mizoram state home officials.