New Delhi: Myanmar yesterday (Dec 21,2006) said it will not allow 'negative elements' to use its territory for carrying out hostile activities against India as the two countries agreed to cooperate on security issues, drug trafficking and border management.

This was decided at a meeting here between Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and his visiting Myanmarese counterpart Maj Gen Maung Oo.

The meeting assumed significance as it came in the wake of reports that the Lashker-e-Taiba is trying to set up base in Manipur, which borders Myanmar, and demands from security agencies for a crackdown on training camps of northeastern rebel groups.

Three Manipuri youths suspected to be LeT cadres were arrested here on Tuesday and the security establishment believes LeT operatives have been using Myanmarese soil to train cadres.

Union home ministry officials were tight-lipped on whether Patil demanded an operation by Mynamar to flush out rebels as had been done by Bhutan against the ULFA in 2003, and an official release said "both sides assured full cooperation with each other" on issues of mutual interest, including security, drug trafficking and effective border management.

Myanmar gave an assurance that it will not allow 'negative elements' to use its territory for carrying out hostile activities against India.

Patil told Oo that New Delhi would provide assistance for training and capacity-building of Myanmar Home Ministry officials.

Sources said Oo's visit had provided renewed impetus for widening and deepening bilateral ties.