BSF unlikely to replace Assam Rifles on Myanmar border

Shillong, Aug 4 (PTI) The BSF is unlikely to replace Assam Rifles to guard the Myanmar border, Assam Rifles Director General Lt Gen Rameshwar Roy said today. Even as the Centre is yet to take a final call on the issue, Roy said, "There was less possibility" of the BSF replacing the Assam Rifles as his force "is identified with the ground, the people and the terrain". "Discussions are going on. But I am sure ultimately it will be in our favour. Indications are such. It is because of the fact that Assam Rifles has domain knowledge about the people, terrain and complete operational situation in the Myanmar border," he said. Roy said as Assam Rifles has been manning the 1640-km border for many years now, it would be difficult to replace it. Asked how close to the border the Assam Rifles posts can be set up, Roy said, "It will depend on the infrastructure development. As the roads keep on developing towards the border, we will keep on going closer. We cannot sit in the jungle. It does not solve the problem." "But with development of infrastructure, the troops will keep moving closer. The post at Moreh (Manipur) for example is bang on the border," he told PTI. Earlier, the Centre was considering deployment of the BSF along the Myanmar border.