IMPHAL, June 22: The Republic of Myanmar has lodged a protest against construction of structures near the international boundary pillar no 78.
According to highly placed sources, the protest was conveyed in the form of a protest note from the Republic of Myanmar, Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking removal of the structures which it termed as `illegal constructions`™ near border pillar no 78.
The note was received on May 10, the source said.
The director (BM-II) Government of India Ministry of Home Affairs Department of Border Management has instructed the State chief secretary to look into the matter and clarify the Myanmar claims.
The note from the Myanmar government said the officiating commandant Tamu Myanmar has filed an official protest against construction of two urinal blocks and a garbage disposal bin in the general area of Tamil Sangam Temple near border pillar no. 78 at Moreh in Manipur, the source continued.
It also said that a combine Myanmar team comprising of SP Tamu district, Town administrator Lt Phya Ko Zin, Nu (304) I IL district staff officer U Yan Naing Tun, staff officer (GAD Tamu) U Ye Zaw Min and Myuma Wadi administrator Usaw Kham had conducted a ground checking on May 8, 2015.
Myanmar has pointed out that the team found one garbage disposal brick tank measuring (8x7x3) feet and two urinal blocks measuring (7×6 ½ x 3 1/2 ) each constructed with permission of the government of India.
The note, according to sources also mentioned that the local Tamil community had began construction in the first week of May this year and in this connection the concerned agency had convened a joint meeting with the commandant of 11 Assam Rifles during which a decision was taken to demolish the structure constructed so far and allow no further construction to take place in the area.
It also claimed that since border pillar no 78 is unsettled area, any construction near the pillar would be considered unauthorised construction and any construction activity in un-demarcated area is a sensitive matter and will evoke protest from the Myanmar side.
Myanmar has also asked the Indian government to direct the civil authorities to remove the construction work and at the same time ensure that no further construction is carried out in the un-demarcated/unsettled area in future.
Meanwhile, a directive has been issued to DC Chandel district by the deputy secretary Home government of Manipur on June 17 to look into the matter and remove any encroachment, if there is any and to furnish action taken report for further necessary action by the government of Manipur.