MP warns border dispute with India could lead to “serious unrest”

"The government should tackle this issue, otherwise it could escalate," said Lower House MP Khin Hmwe Lwin, who represents Mingin Township, which borders India in northwest Myanmar, and who promised to raise the issue in parliament, calling it a "national cause."

This week about 100 people from Mingin staged protests against what they called India's incursions on their lands, where India constructed four residential buildings in May, and where workers, using bulldozers, now appear to be clearing the way for further building, precipitating these fresh demonstrations.

Kyaw Min Htut, head of the Mingin Township branch of the Upper Chindwin Youth Network, said on Sunday, December 29 that the youth group would send a petition to President Thein Sein demanding that the government take action against India for the building works in Myanmar.

"We sent our press release to the president and we will stage further demonstrations unless the problem is solved," said Kyaw Min Htut.

The press release issued by the Mingin youth group warned its members would protest the Myanmar government's implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, or EITI, unless steps were taken to resolve the border dispute with India. Nay Pyi Daw has been investing a good deal of energy into winning membership in the international body, which works to ensure transparency in the exploitation of natural resources, and which would enhance Myanmar's global standing as a credible place for foreign investment.

This was the second time in recent days that locals staged demonstrations against what they view as India's incursions into Myanmar. On Dec. 24 about 150 people from Kale, in Mingin Township, mounted protests.

Meanwhile, the Assam Tribune, an Indian newspaper, reported that political parties in Manipur State, across the Myanmar border, are demanding that the Indian government resolve the dispute by negotiating with Myanmar authorities.

 

 

 

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/mp-warns-border-dispute-with-india-could-lead-to-serious-unrest/