CrPC 144 along the Indo-Myanmar border : Cross border movements
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: October 19 2015 -

Churachandpur, Ukhrul and now Chandel.

It is restrictions under CrPC 144, but more than evident that there must be something much more than just restricting the movement of people and goods along the Indo-Myanmar border.

Could well be a prior measure taken up to launch intensive CI Ops along the border and maybe even in the territory of Myanmar to over run militant camps.

Interesting development, when viewed against the Paraolon ambush in Chandel district on June 4 this year in which 18 soldiers of the Dogra Regiment were killed.

Significantly soon after the Paraolon ambush, India did send its commandos to raid rebel hideouts in the neighbouring country with claims which were not substantiated that succinctly, leaving many doubting the official statements of Delhi.

The recent prohibitory orders passed by the respective District Magistrates of Churachandpur, Ukhrul and Chandel may or may not be linked with the Paraolon ambush but it can nonetheless be seen as part of the overall security measures being taken up.

It may have been a co-incidence, but it is also interesting to note the new development against the backdrop of the peace process inked between Nay Pi Taw and 18 rebel groups in Myanmar.

Difficult to say how the new restrictions will go in checking the movements of rebel groups along the border, but it is a sure indication that the prohibitory orders may just be the prelude to a bigger military offensive being planned by India.

May not be off the mark to say that the recent prohibitory orders are the curtain raisers to the real intent of India.

This is where the question of whether the Government in Myanmar has been briefed about the new steps that have been taken up or not.

Also important to note that the National election in Myanmar is scheduled to be held on November 8 this year.

Is the new strategy adopted along the border area in line with the coming election in the neighbouring country is another interesting question.

The fresh strategy may also be in line with the much hyped Act East Policy of the Government of India and this has come about after the much publicised visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the neighbouring country some time at the fag end of last year.

Secure the border area before opening the eastern door may be a political strategy adopted by the Government of India but it remains to be seen whether such an approach will be able to check the activities of numerous armed groups of the North East region.

As things stand today, the village chiefs or headmen seem to have been taken into confidence if the order that any movement within a 3 km radius along the border should have the permission of the chiefs or headmen.

But how long will such a strategy last is the moot point, for security personnel are known to have taken out their angst against village leaders in the past.