Myanmar urges Indian politicians not to jeopardize bilateral relations
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By Phyo Lin Aung (NP News) - March 16
Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team and the spokesperson of the State Administration Council (SAC), stated that the Kabaw Valley is part of Myanmar's territory, and some Indian politicians should refrain from undermining bilateral relations based on their own political ambitions. Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun made the remarks in response to recent reports regarding the Manipur region in India, Myanmar's border, and the Kabaw Valley.
According to The Hindu Times, a Mizoram Member of Parliament (MP) traveled to Myanmar's northwest region, which borders India. The report indicated that the trip was communicated to both the Administrator of Mizoram and the Border Guard. During his visit, the MP reportedly met with representatives from the CNF/CNA Chin PDF groups.
Additionally, reports revealed that the Chief Minister of Mizoram expressed concerns in the Mizoram Parliament about foreigners entering Myanmar through Mizoram. The Times of India reported that, between June and December of the previous year, more than 2,000 foreigners visited Aizawl, a border town in Mizoram, and subsequently crossed into Myanmar, allegedly interfering with the country's internal affairs.
Meanwhile, reports surfaced that two armed groups, the Chinland Council and the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC), signed an agreement on February 27 to end hostilities in Mizoram’s capital, Aizawl, in the presence of the Mizoram Chief Minister and other local leaders.
In response to the situation, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal commented, “We have seen several reports on this matter. On Myanmar, you know our position is very clear to you and to all our friends here. I would also like to reiterate that when it comes to foreign policy issues, these issues do not lie within the remit of State Governments,” at a press conference on March 7.
This statement underscores the Indian government's stance that foreign policy issues are not within the jurisdiction of state governments.
In response to the situation, Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun stated that "Myanmar and India maintain a good relationship. Myanmar is cooperating with India on the Act East Policy. As for Myanmar, the government does not want groups using Indian territory to oppose Myanmar, and Myanmar does not accept groups using its territory to oppose the Indian government. In this regard, there has been significant cooperation between the two countries on border security, with notable successes. The Indian government knows that cooperation has been demonstrated in practice. We are living according to the five principles of peaceful coexistence that we have agreed upon, and we are good friends."
Regarding the Kabaw Valley in Tamu, the Manipur MP raised the issue in the Upper House, asserting that the valley is an integral part of India based on historical evidence.
Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun responded, clarifying that the Myanmar-India border is over 1,010 miles (1,626 kilometers) long and has been thoroughly measured. He further explained that the Kabaw Valley region has also been previously demarcated and recognized. For the Myanmar-India border demarcation, there is MoU on Border Cooperation between Myanmar and India made on 8 May 2014.
He added, “In 2013, the BJP, an opposition party in India, campaigned to reclaim the Kabaw Valley region, which includes Tamu-Kalay-Mingin townships. Locals in both Kalay and Mingin towns protested against this. Myanmar is always a good neighbour of India. Some politicians in India should not jeopardize bilateral relations between the two countries solely for their own political ambitions. They should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar.”
The People's Pioneer Party (PPP) in Myanmar also issued a statement strongly condemning the proposal to annex the Kabaw Valley region from Myanmar and integrate it into the state of Manipur.
When the Statesman Journal inquired about the situation, the Indian diplomatic community in Myanmar reiterated its position, stressing that foreign policy matters are outside the jurisdiction of regional governments. –