Rakhine Myanmar: Aware of the worsening security situation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has instructed Indian nationals residing in the Rakhine state of Myanmar to depart the area right away. It further advised Indians to avoid visiting the state of Rakhine due to the current circumstances.
Security Crisis in Rakhine State
“In view of the deteriorating security situation, disruption of means of telecommunications, including landlines, and severe scarcity of essential commodities, all Indian citizens are advised not to travel to the Rakhine State of Myanmar,” it said. “Those Indian citizens who are already in the Rakhine State are advised to leave the State immediately,” the MEA said.
Post-Coup Turmoil in Myanmar
Since the military overthrew the government in a coup on February 1, 2021, Myanmar has been the scene of extensive, violent protests calling for the return of democracy. Since October of last year, there has been intense fighting between armed ethnic groups and the ruling junta in the Rakhine state and several other districts.
Since November, there has been a sharp increase in hostilities between the two sides in a number of significant Myanmarese towns and areas close to the Indian border, raising fears in New Delhi about potential consequences for the security of Manipur and Mizoram.
Myanmar Military’s Use of Airstrikes
The military of Myanmar has been employing airstrikes against its adversaries and those engaged in armed resistance against the governing authority. A 1,640-kilometer border separates Myanmar from several northeastern Indian states, notably Manipur and Nagaland, which are plagued by terrorism. India demanded this week that all forms of violence be put to an end and that the nation move towards an inclusive federal democracy.
MEA’s Expression of Concern
“We are concerned over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, which has direct implications for us,” on February 1 MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. “As a neighboring country and friend of Myanmar, India has long been advocating for a complete cessation of violence and Myanmar’s transition towards inclusive federal democracy,” he said.
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER
