Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
Guwahati, October 13, 2003:

Indo-Burma border trade across Moreh town has suffered a serious setback following protests in Manipur, India's northeastern state bordering with Burma. The border trade through Moreh in Manipur State and Tamu in Sagaing Division of Burma has come to a grinding halt for the last five days after protests and bandhs by the local Manipur organizations.

The protests began with the decision of Manipur government to release 13 National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM) cadres who were arrested last week after their intrusion into the state's territory.

The powerful United Committee of Manipur (UCM) had also called for a mass sit-in-protest in Manipur to press for its demand on clarification over the controversial issue of the state's boundaries.

Recent media reports that Indian Government's emissary Mr. K. Padmanabhaih
during the course of the peace talks had suggested setting up of a Boundary
Committee to include Ukhrul and Senapati districts of Manipur and Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh had inflamed the anger of the Manipuries.

Talking to Mizzima correspondent in Guwahati, the General Secretary of the
Indo-Myanmar Traders Union Mr. Y Kapoor appealed to the people in Manipur to
restore border trade in the greater interest of the traders of both countries.

"We should explore the trade potential with Burma but if the situation remains tense, the entire trade will come to a standstill", he added.

Considering the gravity of the situation, the Manipur Government is learnt to have requested the Indian Home Ministry to step up security in the region.