Six Burmese nationals were apprehended by the Anjaw police in the Anjaw district on Tuesday, although official details and information from government and police sources are pending. According to sources, Burmese individuals have been observed in the local market area purchasing essential items, prompting suspicion among residents who identified them as Burmese nationals. These individuals are believed to have been residing in Indian territory for weeks, possibly months, navigating through border patrolling routes monitored by the Indian Army along the international border with Myanmar. “The Burmese nationals followed a specific route to access the market area on Tuesday to procure essential items, and their presence was noticed by locals both on Tuesday and previously,” stated sources familiar with the matter. Anjaw District Superintendent of Police (SP) Riki Kamsi confirmed the arrest of the six individuals on Tuesday, stating that they are currently in police custody with a case registered at the Hawai police station, and investigations are underway.
Initial findings suggest that the individuals crossed into Indian territory while collecting mushrooms. Police seized six kilograms of mushrooms, along with Rs. 68,000 in cash and some utensils, from their possession. The exact location of their camp is yet to be determined, although it’s suspected to be near Putou town in Myanmar, close to the Indian border, amidst dense jungle terrain. SP Kamsi noted that joint interrogation involving the Indian Army and the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) will follow to ascertain further details and potentially locate their camp or their current stay within Indian territory. Currently, there’s no information suggesting the presence of other groups of Burmese nationals or possession of weapons by the detained individuals. Addressing language barriers, SP Kamsi mentioned arrangements were being made to address communication issues for the joint interrogation and subsequent investigations.
As of now, no cameras, weapons, or other mechanical and electronic devices have been found in their possession. Further information will only be revealed following joint interrogation and additional investigation. Speculations suggest that the individuals may have crossed the international border in search of Paris polyphylla, an elusive medicinal plant. The location, inaccessible by road, requires more than a two-day trek on foot through the Kulung Valley of Hawai circle in Anjaw district. Local sources in Anjaw have reported previous sightings of Burmese nationals in the market area, indicating their movements for purchasing essential items. Their camps are situated in remote areas near the international border, far from local inhabitants, and inaccessible by road. Moreover, a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) received with the daily newspaper alleges the presence of seven Burmese nationals camping in various locations around Walong circle, engaged in illegal activities such as extraction of rare medicinal plants, hunting of wildlife, and disturbing the biodiversity of the region.
