NAYPYIDAW, March 14: Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC), has asserted that the Kabaw Valley lies within Myanmar’s territory and criticized Indian politicians who, he claimed, were jeopardizing bilateral relations for their own political interests. The Kabaw Valley issue, a region on the India-Myanmar border, has been a point of contention following remarks by Indian politicians, particularly Mizoram MPs, regarding territorial claims.
Speaking on the matter, Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun stated, “The Kabaw Valley region that we are talking about is also included in the previous measurement. There is also a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the border region between Myanmar and India signed on May 8, 2014, as the border demarcation between Myanmar and India.” He referenced past campaigns in India, particularly one in 2013 by the opposition BJP, which sought to reclaim the Kabaw Valley region, including the towns of Tamu, Kalay, and Minkin. This led to protests in both Kalay and Minkin. He further emphasized that Myanmar values its relationship with India, stating that some Indian politicians should refrain from damaging this bilateral relationship for political gain.
The general also addressed recent developments, including the visit of Indian Mizoram MP K. Vanlalvena to the northwestern parts of Myanmar, which borders India. Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun mentioned a report from The Hindu, which revealed that the MP crossed the border from Mizoram into Myanmar. He stated, “The Hindu news website also reported that the Mizoram Governor and the Border Guard Force were informed about that trip. Then, he met with the CNF, CNA, and Chin PDF groups.” This visit, along with remarks by a Manipur MP in the Indian Upper House claiming that the Kabaw Valley belongs to India based on past history, has sparked controversy.
Additionally, Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun commented on the reported entry of nearly 2,000 foreigners into the border region of Aizawl between June and December 2024, noting that these individuals had crossed into Myanmar, allegedly to interfere in Myanmar’s internal affairs. He referred to reports in The Times of India suggesting that the primary purpose of these visits was to interfere in Myanmar’s internal matters.
Myanmar, according to the SAC spokesperson, is committed to its partnership with India, specifically in terms of border security and cooperation under India’s Act East Policy. “Myanmar and India are good friends. Myanmar is cooperating with India on its Act East Policy,” he said. He also reassured that Myanmar does not want groups using Indian territory to oppose Myanmar, and similarly, Myanmar does not accept any groups using its land to oppose the Indian government.
Highlighting the strong cooperation between the two nations, Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun mentioned that the Myanmar government had worked with India on border security issues, resulting in significant successes. He reiterated Myanmar’s commitment to the five principles of peaceful coexistence and emphasized the importance of mutual respect for territorial integrity. The Myanmar-India border stretches over 1,010 miles (1,626 kilometers), with over 907 miles (1,460 kilometers) already demarcated.
In conclusion, the spokesperson emphasized the longstanding friendly relations between Myanmar and India, calling for a continued focus on cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
