Yangon, March 17 (The Irrawaddy) – A Member of the Indian Parliament from India’s Mizoram State recently visited Myanmar’s Chinland Council and called on border areas under its control to join India, citing their shared ethnic identity.
Soon after, a lawmaker from neighboring Manipur addressed India’s Lower House to propose the reclamation of Kabaw Valley in Sagaing Region, urging the government to assess the feasibility of its return or enforce compensation from Myanmar.
He stated that then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru gifted the border valley – a resource-rich and fertile landmass of 22,000 sq km that had been under Manipur rule since 1450 – to Myanmar in 1953 during a meeting with Burmese leader U Nu.
On Thursday, junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun warned foreign politicians to refrain from actions “driven by self-interest” that could harm bilateral relations. He urged respect for Myanmar’s sovereignty and said further statements on the issue would follow.
India’s Foreign Ministry addressed the MP’s meeting with the Chinland Council at a March 7 press conference, stating that provincial governments have no authority to determine the country’s foreign policy, pro-junta NP News reported.
The Indian Embassy in Myanmar has yet to comment on the issue though there have been reports that Naypyitaw will summon the Indian Ambassador to discuss the matter.
The move by Indian lawmakers to claim Myanmar’s northwest border comes after the junta has ceded much of the border with Bangladesh, India, Thailand, and China to ethnic rebels.
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