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India welcomes Myanmar’s crackdown on N-E camps |
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New Delhi has welcomed Myanmar’s offensive against anti-India rebels operating from its soil. Nearly 10,000 Myanmar’s troops are said to have been involved in the action against Naga guerillas, which is still continuing. Indian officials in New Delhi are happy at the turn of events; particularly since the shift in India’s foreign policy vis-a-vis Myanmar has finally started yielding results.
From supporting the pro-democracy movement actively in the late eighties, New Delhi had started building closer relations with military rulers in Rangoon, a decade ago. The military action has started soon after senior general Than Shwe’s visit to India in October. “This shows that taking action against the Indian rebels operating from the country’s soil”, said an official.
Myanmar’s troops have launched a military operation and have destroyed over 16 mobile camps of the rebels. Most of the action is being taken against the NSCN Khaplang group. Officials say there are over 50 camps with nearly 7,000 guerilla fighters in the Sagaing division of Myanmar bordering India. The Sagaing division has for several years remained under the control of these militants, as they have close relations with the local people and officials there. Other militant groups also have operated under the patronage of the Khaplang militant group.
Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet has given its approval to an agreement with Myanmar that would secure cooperation in fighting terrorism and narcotics trafficking. The agreement with Myanmar envisages cooperation in combating terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking and money laundering. The Cabinet also approved an agreement between India and Korea for cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters.
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