MCM questions reopening of Indo-Myanmar border
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 11 2025:
The Meetei Council Moreh (MCM) has expressed shock at the statement made by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, announcing that normal economic activities between Myanmar and India will resume with the reopening of Indo-Myanmar Gate No 1 and 2 starting January 15 .
In a statement, MCM expressed its gratitude to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who was newly appointed by the central government to resolve the 20-month-long crisis in the state.
The MCM acknowledged his visit to Churachandpur and Moreh, where he met with CSO leaders.
However, the Council found his statement during the meeting, announcing that normal economic activities between Myanmar and India would resume with the reopening of Indo-Myanmar Gate No 1 and 2 starting January 15, quite surprising.
MCM said that economic activities can only resume once peace is restored and security forces have full control of the area.
Since these activities are to take place between India and Myanmar, the decision to reopen the gates seems premature.
MCM also pointed out that union home minister Amit Shah had previously acknowledged that illegal immigration was a factor in the ongoing crisis in the state, which led to the temporary removal of the FMR.
Given this, MCM questioned the intentions and underlying agenda behind the decision to Open the border at this time.
It also expressed astonishment over the decision to open the border, allowing people from across the border to enter the state up to a distance of 10 kilometres with a pass.
MCM said that peace will naturally follow once the crisis is resolved and the situation returns to normal.
Therefore, MCM urged the Governor to prioritise meeting with both warring communities to ensure an end to the conflict before proceeding with any other measures.