Fencing of India-Myanmar border under way

Imphal, Apr 24 (ANI): Fencing along the India-Myanmar international border at Manipur's Moreh town is in progress to check illegal drug trafficking and movement of militants.

"The project is likely to benefit both Myanmar and India. Drug trafficking, human trafficking and illegal trafficking will be controlled," said Ginsei Lhungdim, General Secretary, Hill Tribal Council.

The states of Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram have been identified as a transit point for illegal trafficking by the United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) and International Narcotic Control Board (INCB).

"Government of India had promised to have Myanmar's government in setting up Border liason office near the border area. The objectives are building up bilateral friendship. Then Myanmar's officials desire to be taught the Queen's language, English," said Ginsei Lhungdim.

"They also want to settle petty border criminal issues at the local level itself without forwarding the matter to national capital," he added.

The first phase of surveying the border fencing work was taken along the porous Indo-Myanmar border in 2009.

The fencing work kicked off this year on February 2 after the completion of the boundary survey by the Survey of India.

According to a trade treaty between India and Myanmar, a stretch of 40 kilometers on each side of the border is totally open. No visa and other documents are required to cross the Indo-Myanmar border in this area. (ANI)