MOREH, August 22: Amidst much uproar in the state over the loss of land due to the ongoing international boundary fencing work, the Myanmarese army has started constructing a temporary base camp for one of its platoon at a disputed area of Holenphai village in Moreh sub-division.
Holenphai village is located south of Moreh at a distance of just three km from Moreh police nearing border pillar number 76.
The area has been enshrouded in a dispute between the two countries with the bone of contention being the replacement of border pillar number 76 by 23.
After the Myanmarese army’s act was reported by Holenphai village chief, Lankhulun Haokip; Moreh ADC Robert Singh Kshetrimayum accompanied by Moreh SDPO H Balaram Singh, and OC Cdo Moreh Sadananda Singh visited the spot and inspected the conduct of the Myanmar army.
The state official team had found during the inspection that the Myanmar army had felled several trees in the area.
In the meantime, the concerned CO of 87 LI of the Myanmar also came at the spot.
Robert Singh Kshetrimayum, ADC Moreh urged the Myanmar army to discontinue their work until and unless an understanding is arrived between the two governments as border pillar number 76 is now controversial.
The ADC further said that the location is at a distance of 10 meters from the border pillar number 76. So it needs to be discussed with the CO of 9 Bn Assam Riffles.
He also informed the CO of the Myanmar Army that the under construction of an Integrated Check Post at the border pillar number 78 is now discontinued in respect of the Myanmar govt’s request.
The 87 LI CO of the Myanmar army in his reply has said that arrangements are being made to house temporary base camp following instruction from his country’s higher authority.
He further said that the area is located inside Myanmar and added that he cannot discontinue the work unless his higher authority gives an order in this regard.
He continued that he will inform the matter to the higher authority and further informed that he had given prior information to the CO of 9 Bn of Assam Riffles 30 days ahead thereby starting necessary ground work of cutting trees.
