Officials from the Indian and Myanmar governments have opened the Indo-Myanmar international land border.
After reaching an agreement in Naypyidaw on May 11, entry-exit checkpoints at the Tamu-Moreh and the Rihkhawdar-Zowkhawtar border between the two countries were simultaneously opened on Wednesday, August 9.
The opening of the land border marked the abolishing of special land entry permission which was previously required for visitors entering the country via land routes.
Myanmar’s delegation for the ceremony held in Tamu, Sagaing Region, was led by U Aye Lwin, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population, Government of Myanmar while the Indian side was led by Dr. Suhel Akhtar, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, India.
The Consul General of India stated, “People from both the countries as well as third country, holding a valid passport and visa/e-visa can cross the land border. People can travel within the entire country and also can stay for the duration as specified in visa.”
Earlier, Indians travelling to Myanmar had to hire a licensed guide costing about 60 dollars a day in addition to the special land route permit from the authority, reported The Indian Express.
The agreement has also given provision of a border pass for the people living within the border area to travel within 16 kilometers of the border on both sides without a permit.
Thanks to the Ministers and officers of both nation’s materialising the long cherished dream of people like me born in Myanmar and missing the country for more than 50 years for want of economic travels.
It is requested that the State transport facilities available from Moreh to Mandalay with timings be posted in these pages for planning the visits.