Imphal, April 28 Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh on Tuesday reviewed border security and the ongoing fencing work along the India-Myanmar border, officials said.
Five Manipur districts -- Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kamjong and Ukhrul -- share a 398-km unfenced international border with Myanmar.
A senior Home Department official said that key discussions in the meeting focused on strengthening border security, enhancing coordination among agencies, and expediting developmental and infrastructure works in border areas.
The Home Minister said that they are committed to ensuring peace, security, and the overall development of Manipur through united efforts.
Deputy Commissioners of Ukhrul, Tengnoupal, Chandel, and Churachandpur districts, along with senior officials from various departments, the Manipur Home Department, the Border Roads Organisation, the Border Roads Task Force, and the Assam Rifles, attended the meeting.
The official added that the Home Minister has asked officials to strengthen security along the India-Myanmar border and expedite fencing-related work.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had earlier reviewed the ongoing border-fencing work along the India-Myanmar border.
The Governor and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan also earlier held a high-level meeting to discuss the progress of the fencing work and the overall law and order situation in the state.
Another official said that the Border Roads Organisation stepped up fencing work near Moreh town in Manipur's Tengnoupal district last year. The work is being carried out in phases, he added.
The border fencing project is being undertaken by ‘Project Sewak’ of the Border Roads Task Force, which is also responsible for road construction in Nagaland and Manipur. The Border Roads Task Force functions under the Border Roads Organisation.
Smuggling of drugs, as well as cross-border movement of militants and other inimical elements, has frequently taken place along the porous and hilly border.
Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh earlier said that 143 villages along the state’s international border with Myanmar will be developed under the Vibrant Villages Programme–II, with a focus on infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, and essential services.
--IANS
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