Indian Government dispels fears of n-weapons in Myanmar

New Delhi, Aug 26 (IANS) There is no nuclear threat from Myanmar, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said Thursday, adding that strict vigil was being maintained and admitting that nuclear weapons in neighbouring countries were a matter of concern.

'Myanamar asserts that it has no nuclear programme on its anvil. The government of India will have to believe,' Krishna said while replying to a supplementary in the Rajya Sabha Thursday.

The minister, however, added that information was being gathered through intelligence networks as well.

'We will also gather through our own intelligence what is happening. The government always monitors development closely because it concerns our security,' Krishna said.

He stated that nuclear weapons in neighbouring countries were a matter of concern and that the Indian intelligence was keeping tight vigil on the situation.

'We know Pakistan has nuclear weapons, China also has. We also know there has been a clandestine proliferation effort that Libya and other similar countries are making. We know A.Q. Khan network is very active. (The) government is monitoring the situation and will take steps to see India's security is not jeopardised,' he said.

Myanmar has been under military rule since 1962 under a government known as the military junta. Its leader Senior General Than Shwe visited India in July.

©Indo-Asian News Service