In a major boost to the India-Myanmar bilateral relations, the international entry-exit checkpoints between the two countries were formally opened on Wednesday. The checkpoints were opened on the Tamu- Moreh Border between Manipur and Sagaing Division and the Rihkhawdar-Zokhawthar border between Mizoram and Chin State.
The international entry-exit checkpoints between India and Myanmar border were formally opened, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Vikram Misri said.
“August 8 is an important date in the history of Myanmar. Today, it will also become an important date in the history of India-Myanmar bilateral relations. This morning, international entry-exit checkpoints have been opened simultaneously on the Tamu- Moreh Border between Manipur and Sagaing Division and the Rihkhawdar-Zokhawthar border between Mizoram and Chin State,” Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, Vikram Misri said.
Myanmar government is also all set to provide visa on arrival facility with effect from August 8 by suspending the special land entry permission which was formerly required for visitors entering the country via land routes.
The Myanmar government decided to take this step in a bid to promote tourism and improve business ties with other South East Asian countries, according to official sources.
“People will now be able to cross the land border between India and Myanmar holding passports and visas and will be able to travel for tourism, business and education purposes. This will bring two countries closer together and connect North-East India much more strongly with Myanmar as well as the broader ASEAN region. This indeed is Act East (Policy) in action,” Misri added.
The move comes after India and Myanmar jointly carried out a routine survey following several media reports claiming that unrest erupted in some areas in Moreh sub-division of Manipur over the rumours of alleged shifting of an India-Myanmar border pillar into the Indian Territory.