MOREH, February 21: The Myanmar authorities have the habit of maintaining silence and concealing incidents in their territory and need to be taught a lesson, minister Govindas stated presumably on the recovery of the mutilated bodies of the two salesmen today.
He was speaking during a meeting with leaders of all the communities residing in the border town alongwith Autonomous District Council, Chandel chairman Lukhosei Zou; ADC Moreh Robert Singh Kshetrimayum; SDPO/immigration officer at the IB of the Moreh PS today.
He lamented that Indian traders should not enter into Myanmar territory until the concerned authorities of the country provide them with assurance for their safety.
Further appealing to the all community leaders to relax their agitation on the Indian side of the border, he said all ASEAN countries should be urged to pressure the Myanmar government on the issue.
Meanwhile, minister Ngamthang Haokip observed that since the two were killed in Myanmar and their bodies left in Manipur territory, the Myanmar authorities should also share the ex-gratia amount.
The ministerial team further condemned the incident.
Alleging involvement of the Myanmar government in the death of the two salesmen, Hill Tribal Council, president Jangmang Haokip said that the incident was highly condemnable.
Tamil Sangam president V Sekhar said that the Myanmar officials have been decrying lack of security of their nationals in Indian soil, however, in the past five years there has been no report of any incidents involving Myanmar nationals this side of the border.
However, in the past two years, many Indians have been killed in Myanmar territory, he claimed.
Meitei Council Moreh president M Thoiba questioned the use of obtaining tickets at Rs 10 for entry into Myanmar.
The Myanmar authorities have failed to provide any cooperation on the incident except for on some issues after the recovery of the dead bodies even though the concerned authorities of the country were informed of the missing report since more than 10 days back, lamented Punjabi community leader Surrender Singh Patheja.
Even though both ADC Moreh and SDPO/immigration officer had repeatedly urged for investigation, the Myanmar authorities have maintained silence, he continued.