Imphal, October 14: With the Governments of India and Myanmar agreeing to a deal to launch a major offensive against rebel outfits of the North Eastern region of India, official processes to begin the onslaught had been expedited.

Close on the heels of report regarding India providing arms support to the Myanmar military ground reality is being assessed to dispatch an Indian Army training team in Myanmar even as informed sources contended that the Myanmar Army might begin the offensive from their side in December this year most probably before the Christmas festival.

According to Defence sources, the Government of India in compliance to an understanding reached recently with the military regime had already commenced supply of modern and effective arms and ammunition to the latter among which include mortar bombs of 51 mm calibre having a firing range of 5 kilometres and grenade launchers in addition to locating a strategically important training site of the Indian Army.

While purpose of dispatching the Indian Army team is said to impart military training to their Myanmar counterparts on jungle warfare on a larger scale, the sources disclosed of Myanmar's military officers already undergoing training in a phased manner at the Veirangte Counter Insurgency School in Mizoram.

As per the agreement signed between the two neighbouring countries, the operation to flush out NE militants would be started by Myanmar military from their side with the Indian Army deployed in the border area to take on the fleeing insurgents.

While declining to comment on precise date for launching the strike, the sources expressed that the operation is being targeted for completion ahead of the Christmas festival and added that intended target include all insurgent outfits in the border area.

With the Government of India having identified possible hideouts of the militants low key offensive had commenced, added the source.

When queried whether the military support include providing aircraft to Myanmar, the source said the need does not arise.

Meanwhile, separate source informed that Govt of India making concerted effort to provide/construct a five lane highway connecting Imphal and Rangoon via Moreh-Mandalay.

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