Arms, copters sent to Myanmar

In what may force Indian insurgent outfits to leave their bases in Myanmar, New Delhi has started supplying advanced weaponry and gadgets to the Myanmar Army to enable it to set up its military headquarters close to areas occupied by the rebel groups.

Saying India and Myanmar had managed to develop a consensus on several bilateral issues during President U. Htin Kyaw’s New Delhi visit, authoritative security sources in the home ministry told this newspaper that India was also going to provide helicopters and other advanced gear to strengthen the strike capabilities of the Myanmar Army.

Noting that relations between the two neighbouring countries were at their best in the past 50 years, the sources said that Myanmar was confident of making its military headquarters functional in six months, that will reduce the comfort level of Indian insurgents operating from the neighbouring country.

Pointing out that newly-elected Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw had chosen India for his first visit outside the country, the sources said Myanmar had not only promised full military cooperation in tackling militants operating from its territory but also agreed to enhance road connectivity from India to Southeast Asia. Saying India had already succeeded in taking Thailand and other Southeast Asian nations on board regarding the trans-national highways proposed in its “Act East” policy, the security sources said that India had started investing heavily in Myanmar.

Admitting there was also stress on increasing people-to-people contacts between the two nations, the sources said Myanmar was equally concerned about its territory becoming a hub of insurgency.

Sources said Myanmar could play a vital role not only in ensuring and promoting peace and security in Northeast India but also in its economic growth.