It comes as no surprises that following the US –Myanmar understanding, India has stepped up its efforts to mount a joint offensive with Myanmarese forces along the border to curb violence by northeastern insurgent groups. But the kick-off will wait until the Manipur elections. The call will be for joint action meaning coordinated operations and will not be just single patrol teams made up of Indian and Myanmareses troops. The two sides had recently met for national level talks in Myanmar’s new capital, Naypyidaw. Union home secretary R.K.Singh had talks with his Myanmarese counterpart, Brigadier General Kyaw Zan Myint. But there was lack of clarity about the definition of joint action.
Myanmar has assured India that it will try to stop militants from disrupting the Manipur elections. The run-up to the elections is being already vitiated by blasts and grenade attacks. The Indian home secretary said that north eastern militants were planning large scale disturbances . A coordination committee of a seven-outfit alliance is causing trouble in Manipur. Myanmar has made it clear that its territory will not be used as a base by the insurgents. India and Myanmar have agreed to share intelligence. Myanmar has also agreed to share reports of interrogation of arms smugglers arrested by its forces . The new alliance between the two neighbours may go a long way in undermining militancy in northeastern India.