Tonsing scans trade centre site at Behiang
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 11 2014: A team of officials led by Health and Family Welfare Minister Phungzathang Tonsing visited Behiang village, Churachandpur district located close to Indo-Myanmar border under Singhat sub-division and inspected the area for development of a border trade centre.

The officials included Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Singhat A/C MLA Ginsuanhau, the Commerce and Industries Principal Secretary and the Commerce and Industries Director.

The team met Behiang village chief Momdi Zou and discussed about construction of an alternative trade route in addition to development of a border trade centre there.

Village chief Momdi Zou reportedly assured the Ministerial team that he would provide land necessary for the proposed border trade centre.

Notably, the village chief has already handed over 10 acres to the State Government for development of a border haat.

It is expected that the Government of India and the Government of Myanmar may sign a bilateral agreement in January next year for development of border haats.

Responding to an appeal of the village chief, the Ministerial team assured that maximum efforts would be put in to build a Zougall centenary hall in memory of the people killed by British rulers during the colonial period for demanding independence.

The village chief maintained that Gamgulei river is the natural boundary between Behiang village and Myanmar.

Whereas the boundary pillar on the side of Myanmar was clearly visible, the boundary pillar on the Indian side was seen lying in the river bed after it was washed down by a strong current.

The site identified for the proposed trade centre is largely a plain area and there would not be much difficulty in infrastructure development.

The area has also all the potential of a tourist site.

It takes just 7/8 hours for one to travel to Kalemeyo, Myanmar from Behiang on a motorcycle.

Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated that the State Government acknowledged the potential of Behiang and it has been lobbying with the Central Government since 2006 to develop a border trade centre there.

The Centre has given its proposal to open border haats at Kongkan, Ukhrul district and New Somdal, Chandel district in addition to Behiang.

Efforts are also on to open a customs office at Behiang for facilitating cross border trade on agricultural produces.

Acknowledging the village chief's assurance to provide necessary land for the proposed border trade centre, Govindas stated that the Central Government would be informed in black and white about availability of the requisite land.

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