India, Burma begin talks on security and trade

UNDATED, July 28: Home ministry officials from India and Burma began their three-day talks on issues of concern to both countries in New Delhi on Wednesday. The Indian side is led by home secretary Kamal Pandey while the Burmese delegation is led by deputy home minister Brig. General Thura Myint Maung. The two sides will discuss various issues ranging from insurgency problems in the Northeast, drug trafficking and border trade. According to Indian home ministry sources, the two governments will work on ways to cooperate with each other in tackling insurgency along the international border, sharing of intelligence and checking drug trafficking across the border. Moreover, border trade and banking arrangements in border areas will be discussed. India is reportedly concerned about the recent attempts by some Northeast insurgent groups to establish a toehold in Burma. Recent Indian intelligence reports indicate that some Northeast insurgent groups have already set up camps on the Burmese side of the border. India and Burma formally legalised the border trade through Moreh town in Manipur state and Tamu township in the Sagaing division of Burma in April 1995.