Authorities in border areas involved in illegal dealings: MP

She raised the point during a hearing of the president’s message on the signing of a border cooperation agreement between Myanmar and India.

Besides illegal drugs, weapons smuggling, illegal exports of forestry products and the illegal entrance of Bengalis take place on a regular basis in the area, the MP claimed.

“Illegal dealings of narcotic drugs in Moreh, an Indian town located near Tamu, are alarming,” Mway Lwin said. “About 20 homes are selling narcotics openly in Moreh and the authorities know about it. The border areas between Myanmar and India have no fence and illegal entry takes place all the time, according to the locals. Government staff from Myanmar are also involved in the narcotics trade and they have visited opium dens.” 

She said she supports the mutual agreement because it can sort out the problems listed above as well as border-dispute problems.

The joint cooperation deals with bringing about peace in border areas, tackling the illegal possession of weapons, dealing with narcotics and fighting human trafficking. It will also implement a mutual agreement under which Myanmar and Indian troops will exchange information, patrol border areas and respect the international boundary. 

Parliament approved the president’s message to sign the agreement.