High ranking officials of the Survey of India will arrive in Manipur soon for an on-the-spot assessment of the border dispute with Myanmar, State Home Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei has said.
Talking to reporters in Imphal on Wednesday night, he reiterated that the State Government has taken a serious view of the border provocations.He, however, said that this impasse should be ironed out by the Union Government. He had already instructed the Assam Rifles to be on red alert along the border, he said.
A large number of people had taken out a rally from Namphalong across the international gate to Tamu about 15 km away on December 24 shouting slogans against India and carrying placards. They said that India should respect the international boundary. The international border was sealed off for the day. One shot "accidentally" fired by the Myanmarese army dispersed the curious onlookers of Manipur at Namphalong.
When the Border Roads Organisation started construction of the border fence, political parties and NGOs objected to it, contending that Manipur's territory was being compromised.
On December 3, Prime Minister Manmohon Singh assured the representatives of political parties that not a single inch of India's land will be gifted away. On December 4, Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde had asked the Border Roads Organisation to suspend the border fence construction works till an amicable agreement is reached.
Myanmarese army claim
It is alleged that the Myanmarese army had constructed a bunker at Hollenphai village of Manipur. But the Myanmarese army claims that it is within Myanmar. On the other hand, the Myanmarese army has been asking the Indian authorities to stop construction of the integrated check post at Moreh, contending that the area is within Myanmar. However, reports say that labourers are carrying on with the construction work with the protection of armed police guards.
High ranking officials had made a spot inquiry on the instruction of the Union Home Minister earlier this month. It was stated that talks on the border dispute would be held at the diplomatic level, but it could not be started as there is no response from Myanmar.
