Indian Troops Poised to Enter Myanmar

[sintax]

South Asia
     July 21, 2005


Indian troops poised to enter Myanmar
By Sudha Ramachandran

BANGALORE - Cooperation between the security forces of India and Myanmar in countering anti-India rebels based in Myanmar is poised to enter bold new phase, with the countries discussing joint counter-insurgency operations inside Myanmar - a move fraught with pitfalls.

The Myanmar military's operations against Indian insurgents in the mountainous region between the Arakan range and the Irrawady have by all accounts reached a dead-end. Apparently, the ill-equipped Myanmar army has not been able to withstand the superior firepower of the insurgents.

According to reports in the India-based Public Affairs Magazine, Myanmar's military ruler General Than Shwe has requested the Indian government for emergency military supplies for his beleaguered troops. Than has reportedly asked for helicopters, helicopter gunships, heavy rockets, navigation equipment and global positioning system devices.

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/GG21Df04.html