Unrest in Myanmar makes Northeast uneasy

Guwahati, Oct 2 (UNI) Northeast India is all set to bear the brunt of the tension prevailing in Myanmar, following India's refusal to budge under international pressure to take steps against the military junta in the neighbouring country.

Manipur's border town Moreh serves as a direct link with Myanmar and the city of Mandalay in Myanmar is only 12-14 hours distance by road from Moreh.

The growing unrest in that country had affected business in the Northeast region and also posed threat to peace in the border areas. Shillong-based social activist Padmashree Patricia Mukhim, during her recent visit to Guwahati, expressed deep concern over the developments in Myanmar.

''It is high time for Myanmar to get Democracy. The tension is escalating day by day and it is a major concern for India, especially the Northeast, which is close to that country,'' she said.

Underscoring the significance of Myanmar trade expansion in Northeast, Ms Mukhim pointed out that Myanmar has to be transgressed if India's trade expansion plans to South East Asia were to be fulfilled.

''Myanmar's situation is very crucial and particularly significant for the South East Asian countries,'' she added.

A student leader from Myanmar, Kyaw Than, during his visit here last week, asked for India's support to pressurise the military rule in Myanmar to restore Democracy.

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