18th National Level Meeting between Myanmar and India held in New Delhi

The 18th National Level Meeting between Myanmar and India was held on 28 -29 December, 2012 in New Delhi.

The Indian delegation was led by A.K Mangotra, Secretary, Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

While the Myanmar delegation was led by Brig. Gen. Kyaw Zan Myint, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

The major area of Discussion was that of drug trade, arms smuggling and extremism/terrorism.

A.K  Mangotra highlighting the shared culture and traditionally close relationship between India and Myanmar, expressed India’s dedication to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries to eliminate the nexus between the drug trade, arms smuggling and extremism/terrorism.

Mangotra wanted Myanmar’s cooperation for co-ordinated patrolling along the Indo –Myanmar border and dismantling IIGs camps in Myanmar for peace and economic prosperity in the region.

While Brig. Gen. Kyaw Zan Myint deputy minister of Myanmar assured that Myanmar is never going to allow insurgents and negative elements to use its own territory for activities inimical to its neighbour India.

Highlights of the discussion Held Between India and Myanmar:

• Both sides discussed and agreed to cooperate closely on issues like insurgent Groups along the border, arms Smuggling & drug trafficking, border management issues, Myanmar Fishermen in A&N jails, illegal smuggling of wild life parts, inspection and verification of pillars etc.

• Both sides expressed satisfaction over opening of a third Border Liaison Office (BLO) between Changlang, India and Pangsau, Myanmar.

• Both the leaders emphasized on nurturing BLOs to promote cooperation between law enforcement agencies of both the countries for peace and tranquility along the border. It was decided to open a fourth BLO in Nagaland sector between Ukhrul, Manipur, India and Somra, Myanmar.