NEW DELHI, Dec 31 � India and Myanmar have ratified the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) on criminal matters.
Union Home Secretary GK Pillai and Myanmar Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, U Phone Swe signed the Protocol of Exchange for the treaty at the conclusion of the 16th Home Secretary-level meeting between the two countries on Thursday night.
The leaders of two delegations exchanged the instrument of Ratification of Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty on Criminal Matters by signing the Protocol of Exchange, said official sources.
Myanmar Government like in the past assured India of actions against the militant groups including ULFA, NSCN and Manipuri rebels.
At this meeting Pillai raised concern on activities of Indian insurgent groups operating along the India-Myanmar border and requested action against them by Government of Union of Myanmar. Issues relating to strengthening of intelligence sharing mechanism between the two countries, arms smuggling, drug trafficking, border management, border trade etc. were also discussed at the meeting, said sources.
Sources said India sought cooperation from Myanmar on flushing out the militants operating out of the country.
Meanwhile, a proposal to set up an institute to impart Myanmarese and English language skills to soldiers of the two countries was also discussed.
According to the proposal, Indian security forces guarding the Indo-Myanmar border would be taught Myanmarese, while soldiers on the other side would be taught English to remove the language problem and better coordination at the ground level.
India and Myanmar share a 1,643-km border, which is currently being guarded by Assam Rifles but under a fresh proposal, the Centre is mulling to hand over the border to BSF.
