NEW DELHI, Dec 30 � India has pressed Myanmar to sign a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), besides renewing its call for operations against rebels of North-east operating out of the country.
The 16th Home Secretary-level meeting between India and Myanmar today reviewed the entire gamut of issues concerning security matters between the two countries. Union Home Secretary Sh. GK Pillai led the Indian delegation while the visiting delegation was headed by Myanmar Deputy Minister for Home Affairs U Phone Swi.
India�s concern on activities of Indian insurgent groups operating along Indo-Myanmar border was raised at the meeting and action against them sought from the Government of Myanmar, official sources said.�
Issues relating to strengthening of intelligence sharing mechanism between the two countries, arms smuggling, drug trafficking, border management, border trade, etc., also figured at the discussion, which was followed by signing of a joint statement.
On MLAT, sources said it was pointed out that the treaty would enhance the ability of the two countries to pursue their common objective of law enforcement. The proposal was to put in place a legally binding mechanism to enable law enforcement agencies to provide mutual assistance in connection with investigation, prosecution, prevention and suppression of crime, including insurgency.
The talks were earlier scheduled to start on Monday but had to be postponed as the visiting delegation could not arrive because of disruption of flights due to bad weather conditions.
