Indo-Myanmar hotline mooted

Source: The Sangai Express

According to a reliable source, installation of the hotline was discussed during the meeting of the border liaison officers attended by an Indian delegate led by Joint Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs Naveen Verma at Tamu recently.

At the meeting, Myanmar officials proposed to the Indian delega- tion for providing telephones, bikes and vehicles in help in communication if the hotline is to be installed.

Taking consideration of the request, the Home Ministry has started the process for providing Bolero, motor bike and telephone, the source disclosed.

It may be recalled here that during his recent visit to Imphal, Union Home Secretary GK Pillai had announced that a co-ordination operation would be launched against the UGs of the North East which are camping and operating from the territory of Myanmar.

On the other hand, in connection with appointment of a security advisor to the Government of Manipur, the Union Home Ministry has suggested the names of five probable candidates including EN Ram Mohan, who not only the former DG of BSF but also the advisor to the Governor while Manipur was under President's Rules.

Other suggested probable candidates are retired IPS officers.

They are Kumuwat, former Special Secretary (Internal Security) of the Government of India; NC Padi, former Secretary (Security), Government of India; Gopal Sharma, former DG SSB and VK Joshi, former DG CRPF.

The name of Kumuwat, however, has been subsequently excluded by the Centre at the time of offering the post.

Union Cabinet is likely to take a final decision on the appointment.

Meanwhile, the State Government has already kept ready the room to be occupied by its soon to be appointed Security Advisor.