New Delhi (Mizzima) – A six-day meeting between Indian and Burmese military officers began on Wednesday in Kalemyo town, Sagaing division in North-western Burma, to discuss issues relating to border management, as part of an ongoing military level cooperation.
The bi-annual India-Burma border meeting is the 37th held between military officials of the two countries. A 14-member Indian Army delegation led by Major General S S Pawar, Chief Of Staff of the Assam Rifle’s Headquarter 3 Corps based in Imphal, capital of Manipur state, has travelled to Kalaymyo town.
An Assam Rifles press release said, the meeting will enhance cooperation between the Burmese and Indian military on border management, including curbing activities of insurgent groups operating along the border.
“The India-Myanmar Border Liaison Meet is a landmark event, where representatives of both the armies interact and coordinate on border management activities,” the press release said.
“The event also provides an opportunity to all the delegates to know each other on a personal level and helps in further strengthening the bonds of friendship between both the countries,” the press release added.
The meeting being held between August 26 and 31 is part of India-Burma military cooperation and is held twice annually. Military cooperation between the two countries, in areas including tackling insurgents, arms smuggling, and cross border crimes, is part of India-Burma bilateral relationship.
India and Burma share a porous border of 1,643 kilometres. The Indian military establishment as well as sources on the border said, several Indian insurgents including the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), a Manipuri militant outfit, are based in Sagaing division in Burma.
Beside military cooperation, India and Burma are also boosting relationship in areas including trade and commerce.
The last meeting was held at the headquarters of Assam Rifles’ 3 Corps in Imphal of Manipur state in May.
Following the meeting, a Burmese Army delegation led by Brig Gen Tin Maung Ohn, Deputy Commander of the Northwest Military Command, went to Kolkata, West Bengal in India and held a meeting with military officers of the Eastern Command.
During the last meeting, delegates discussed the final strategy to crackdown on north-eastern rebel groups, several of which are reportedly operating from Burmese soil.
