Border pillar disappears, Myanmar encroaching Molcham learns to live with bunkers

Along with disappearance of border pillar 94 erected at Charoi village under Kamjong sub-division of Ukhrul district along the international boundary with Myanmar, the eastern neighbour has also claimed Charoi Khunou village as theirs.Even though the area around border pillar 66 erected at Molcham village in Chandel district is regarded as a disputed site between the two countries, Myanmar has been encroaching into the area.On the other hand, for the Assam Rifles and Army deployed along the interna- tional border with Myanmar, it remains a mammoth challenge to ensure security of the inhabitants. Under such circumstances, every household located in the border areas have been building bunkers inside their houses for their safety in the event of any gun battle between security forces and militants.These were observed by this reporter during an extensive tour of these villages located along the 350 kms long borderline with Myanmar starting from border pillar 39 erected at Singhat sub-division of Churachandpur district and covering villages along the international boundary in Chandel district till border pillar 129 erected in Chingai sub-division of Ukhrul district.During the extensive tour of these villages after the Somtal Operation where the security forces and insurgents are still engaged in gun fights, some villagers even asked this reporter if he didn’t fear for his life.