Backlash for insurgents in camps along the international border
Myanmarese military regime has taken a strong stand with regard to any anti-Indian terror groups, particularly pointing its fingers towards Northeast militants’ active along the porous border areas, indicating a crack down soon.

On the other hand, infrastructural and other development packages offered by India to Myanmar is seen as a boost for the economy of the four Northeastern states--Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram (bordering Myanmar), an opportunity for these states to open doors for International market and tourism.

A senior government official said, a close relationship with Myanmar--social, cultural and physical connectivity, can revitalise the Northeast region.

But the question remains as to how effective can the state governments in line with the Centre push forward; taking serious note of the opportunities that has been made available.

Myanmar is critical for the success of India’s ‘Look East Policy’ as it provides connectivity between India and ASEAN countries.

Earlier, talking to mediapersons onboard his special aircraft (Air India-1), when asked on why the four chief ministers of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur were not included during his maiden trip as it mainly concerns the four Northeastern states, Prime Minister said this visit, after almost 25 years by an Indian Prime Minister, was focussed on preparing strong ground work on various issues and then the idea of taking the CMs can be considered.

Border security issue: Ahead of the PM’s visit to Myanmar, considered as a “goodwill gesture”, the military government had strictly ordered Manipur based insurgents to close down its camps including training cells in Myanmar region latest by June 10.

Sources say that a crackdown is imminent, if they fail to move out by June 10, like the one carried out by Sheik Hasina’s government (Bangladesh) in 2009.

Government authorities say that following a two year-long crackdown by the Sheikh Hasina government of Bangladesh, ULFA and the NSCN have fled to Upper Burma.

Dr. Manmohan Singh said that President Sein has assured him that his country’s soil will not be used against India.

“I have assurances from President Sein that Myanmar territory will not be used against India and our (Myanmar) border remains as peaceful as humanely possible.”

Prime Minister was replying to a question about insurgency and terror activities active along Northeast India-Myanmar border.

He also said that President Thein Sein has asked India to pin-point any anti-Indian group functioning along the Indo-Myanamr border in order to enable Myanmar government take stern action against them.

Describing his visit to Myanmar as “very useful” amidst providing avenues for economic and strategic ties, Manmohan Singh said a detailed discussion was carried out with Myanmar’s President Thein Sein particularly on the border security and development issues.

According to sources if the Manipuri outfits were forced to shut down their camps, it would have a considerable impact on the security situation in the State.

Sources further said, other Northeastern militant groups based in Myanmar may also have to face the heat there with improved bilateral relations between the two countries.

The military order also clearly indicates the revival of decades old ties shared between India and Myanmar which remained estranged for some years.

It also comes after India set out a rider to NSCN (K), after the latter signed a peace truce with Myanmar government April 9, asking the Naga group not to shelter and train Manipur and Assam based outfits in the Naga dominated areas of Myanmar.

According RK Nimai, commissioner, Arts and Culture, Manipur government quoting HNS report said that the “cease-fire, between the NSCN (K) and the government of Myanmar, will enable a number of Kukis to infiltrate into Manipur thereby creating problems in the state”.

Meanwhile, union foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai said, “The prime minister personally raised the issue of Northeast security and received an assurance from President Thien Sien that Northeastern insurgents and anti-Indian groups would not be allowed to operate on Myanmar soil.”

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s three-day visit to Myanmar has created a new era of security strand posing as a hostile response to Northeast insurgent groups.

When asked about the outcome of the trip, Dr. Manmohan Singh said it was very fruitful and hoped for stronger long-lasting bilateral ties with Myanmar.