Myanmar bridge project not cancelled: Biren
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 24 2020: The Government of India's initiative to construct a number of bridges in Myanmar in line with the Act East Policy has not been abandoned or cancelled.

This was stated by Chief Minister N Biren on the floor of the State Assembly today in response to a question raised by MLA AK Mirabai.

Biren said that the project of constructing approach roads and 69 bridges between 0 Km to 149.70 Km of Tamu-Kyigone-Kaliwa road was kick-started on November 29, 2017.Even though the road and bridge construction works are supposed to be completed within November 23 this year, the construction is currently suspended on account of a pending Court case.

Myanmar bridge project not cancelled: Biren

Out of 13 integrated check posts (ICP) which should be constructed under the Act East Policy, ICP Moreh was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2019 .

India and Myanmar have agreed to open nine border haats along the international boundary between the two countries.

Two of these border haats would be opened at Khin Mang Behiang, Churachandpur district and Khampat New Somtal, Chandel district.

In addition to these two border haats, the State Government has sent a proposal to the Centre to open two more border haats at Hume Thana (Konkan Thana) of Kamjong district and New Tusom of Ukhrul district, Biren informed the House.

These border haats would facilitate exchange oflocal produce and services across the border.

Development of Manipur Trade and Expo Centre at Lamboi Khongnangkhong, establishment of industrial estates at Kakching, Chandel, Ukhrul, Bishnupur, Imphal East and Imphal West, signing of an agreement between India and Myanmar on land border crossing in 2018 and holding of business summits and seminars are all parts of the Act East Policy, said the Chief Minister.

He stated that necessary steps have been initiated to introduce bus service and flight service between Manipur and Myanmar.

Yangon-based ShweMandalar Express Company Limited and Imphal-based M/s Seven Sisters Holiday signed an MoU on February 14 this year for commencement of bus service between the two countries within three months, Biren said and added that the bus service would be operated on weekly basis by a 27 seater AC coach.

The process of selecting flight operators for Imphal-Mandalay flight service would be completed by March, Biren said.

Replying to another query raised by AK Mirabai, the Chief Minister stated that the Act East Policy is a policy of the Government of India and all the funds needed for the policy are borne by the Centre.

As such, there is no specific allocation for Act East Policy in the State budget.

Nonetheless, essential expenditures are being made from the Planning.

Necessary fund needed for the Imphal-Mandalay bus service which would be introduced soon is reflect in the State budget, Biren added.