GUWAHATI, June 21 � The Government of Myanmar is in a dilemma over India�s proposal for joint operations against the insurgents taking shelter in that country. However, Myanmar has assured full cooperation to India in dealing with the problem.
Highly placed sources in the Government of India told The Assam Tribune that the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Foreign Secretary visited Myanmar to hold detailed talks on the problem created by the insurgents, who are taking shelter in that country. Though Myanmar has assured full cooperation to India, it is still not known whether the neighbouring country would accept India�s proposal for a joint operation.
Sources revealed that Myanmar is keen on maintaining good relations with India. But, at the same time, the country cannot afford to distance itself from China and the leaders of the country are apprehensive that accepting India�s proposal for a joint operation might affect its relations with China. Sources said that the economy of Myanmar depends largely on China and a number of mega projects, including hydropower projects, are being implemented by China in Myanmar.
�Myanmar feels that getting too close to India may affect Myanmar�s relations with China. That is why Myanmar is keen on maintaining good ties with both China and India,� sources added.
Meanwhile, sources revealed that though a number of militant groups of the North East have their contacts in China, it is still not confirmed whether they are getting any help from the Government of China. It is a fact that the militants have links with the clandestine arms dealers of China and they are getting huge quantities of arms and ammunition manufactured in the ordnance companies of that country. But India still does not have any proof of involvement of Chinese Government in helping the insurgent groups, sources added.
Sources also said that leaders of militant groups including commander-in-chief of United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent), Paresh Baruah frequently visit Yunan province of China and they have local contacts who help them to take cross over the international border and to take shelter in that area. But it is still not known whether they have contacts with any senior Chinese Government official, sources added.
