Myanmar denies clashes between Indian army, ethnic group on its territory

Myanmar military authorities have denied the allegation that there was a recent exchange of gunfire on Myanmar soil between Indian army and a rebellion ethnic group -- the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (khaplang)(NSCN-K), official media reported Monday.

The denial referred to reports by some foreign media that Indian army entered Myanmar territory and fought with the NSCN-K on Aug. 19 and that the fighting lasted for three hours.

Myanmar military's information quoted witnesses as saying that the gun battle between NSCN-K and NSCN-IM occurred inside India on the day, one mile west of the Myanmar-India border, and not inside Myanmar territory.

However, Myanmar military columns on the border were on full alert to ward off foreign troops from entering the country, the military authorities said, adding that Myanmar would neither accept nor encourage any armed group to station on its soil to potentially terrorize the government.

The authorities insisted that Myanmar armed forces is working in tandem with Indian army and rendering cooperation in patrolling the border and exchanging information.

In June 2015, there were also clashes between the Indian army and the Indian rebel group near Myanmar-India border.

Myanmar army then assured India of not tolerating any rebel groups active on its soil. Enditem