Undemarcated areas along Indo-Myanmar border : CM reiterates stand on State's boundary, integrity
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 28 2013 : As leader of the House, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today affirmed that the Government of Manipur will never compromise with the state's territorial boundary and integrity.

Allaying concerns expressed by ruling party MLA RK Anand that some border areas of Manipur along the Indo-Myanmar boundary might be lost, the CM said inspite of apprehension in the minds of the general public the Government has been and will remain committed to safeguarding the territorial boundary of Manipur.

Consequent to the vigorous pursuit of the Look East Policy, the Governments of India and Myanmar have made significant improvement in various aspects in recent times, noted the CM in his reply to the MLA's call attention motion.

Conceding that certain un-demarcated areas existing along the Indo-Myanmar border is a sensitive issue that needs to be tactfully settled, Ibobi said Central authorities are being constantly urged to find an early settlement to the boundary disputes.

With the passage of time, some border pillars demarcating Manipur's boundary on the Indo-Myanmar border need to be resurrected, said the CM who listed the missing landmarks as Pillar Nos.66, 76, 78, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93 and 94 .

File pic of fenced stretch along Manipur and Burma bosrder

Nine of the missing pillars fall within the 10-km stretch of Indo-Myanmar boundary where border fencing is being proposed, he explained while pointing out that issues related to boundary fencing had figured prominently during meetings of Indian and Myanmarese officials for a joint boundary survey.

maintaining that the boundary fencing would pose no harm to a temple belonging to the Tamil community of Moreh, the CM also said consultation is on with Myanmar authorities as some portion of the temple's fencing areas fall under the proposed border fencing work.

Disclosing to the members that Integrated Check Post development works at Moreh had to stop as Myanmar authorities suggested that construction activities resume after boundary survey, Ibobi said inspite of some boundary dispute impeding the 45-acre size integrated check post project construction of the main building will continue as the facility is vital for smooth transportation of goods in bulk.

On the proposal of Assam Rifles authorities to establish/construct a gate for monitoring movement of goods and people, the Central Government suggested delaying the project as the area is yet to be settled, he said adding that the Centre is focused on settling all border disputes with Myanmar in an amicable manner.

Earlier, RK Anand voiced concern that like Manipur having to cede the fertile Kabow Valley to the neighbouring country similar fate befalling on Moreh Town cannot be ruled out.

Questioning who are the guardians of Manipur's boundaries, the Naoriya Pakhanglakpa AC legislator also sought information about activities of the two Cabinet sub-committees specifically constituted to monitor issues concerning boundaries of Manipur.

Suggesting that Government of Manipur take a firm stand on boundary issues rather than cowing to pressure from Myanmar, he also proposed that firm and effective measures be initiated by the Government to protect Manipur's territorial integrity on the Myanmar side.