Assam Rifles to check reports of deployment of Myanmar forces

Assam Rifles have been asked to check on reports of deployment of heavy forces by Myanmar on the border near Moreh town in the wake of construction of an integrated check post (ICP) by India.

Manipur Home Minister Gaikhangam told reporters here that Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) would send a report to the state government which would be forwarded to the Centre. Official sources said Myanmar army officials had objected to construction of an ICP in Moreh where all the goods coming from Myanmar would be checked before clearing them for import into India.

International trade between Moreh and Myanmar is conducted through Moreh but Myanmar official claim that parts of the ICP belong to them. Myanmar made this claim after Manipur and central officials said that construction of border fencing by Myanmar had 'affected' a large chunk of Manipur land, the sources said.

Gaikhangam said the Centre has been approached on various occasions to take up the border fencing issue with Myanmar government.