On Tuesday, the external affairs ministry issued an advisory urging its citizens in Myanmar’s Rakhine state to promptly leave the troubled region due to the worsening security conditions. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued its first advice following the increase in violence, advising to refrain from traveling to Rakhine State due to the current scenario, which includes telecommunications network disruptions and a lack of vital commodities.
Myanmar has had widespread violent protests seeking the return of democracy since the military took control in a coup on February 1, 2021. Rakhine State and several other places have seen violent clashes between ethnic groups and the Myanmarese military. Rakhine State is one of the locations where ethnic groups have achieved considerable success against Myanmar’s atrocities since three prominent organisations started assault against the civilians in October.
Last October, the most powerful anti-junta forces, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Arakan Army, and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), launched a joint campaign. It resulted in capturing at least 35 towns, including key trade posts and border crossings with India and China.
Since November, disputes between the two sides have increased dramatically in numerous major Myanmarese cities and districts along the Indian border. The disputes have raised fears in New Delhi about the potential implications for Manipur and Mizoram’s security. The Myanmarese military has used airstrikes to target and bomb civilian areas.
What did India Say?
Last week, India voiced an alert over the violence and instability in Myanmar, which is one of India’s vital neighbours and shares a 1,640-kilometre border with a few northeastern states, including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur. After the three years of the 2021 coup, India expressed its concern and warned that any activities there would pose a direct threat to the security of India.
“We are concerned over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, which has direct implications for us,” Randhir Jaiswal, spokeswoman for the external affairs ministry, told reporters on February. He made the statements hours after Myanmar’s military rulers extended the state of emergency. The emergency had been in effect since the coup that deposed the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
“As a neighbouring country and friend of Myanmar, India has long been advocating for the complete cessation of violence. We have supported Myanmar’s transition towards inclusive federal democracy,” Randhir Jaiswal told the media during his weekly press conference.
Involvement of International bodies in Myanmar Genocide
The Myanmar genocide crisis has drawn significant international attention. Various bodies and governments taking action to address the ongoing human rights violations perpetrated by the Burmese military, or Tatmadaw. In the last week’s developments, the involvement of international bodies such as the US Treasury Department and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, Amnesty International and Development Office (FCDO) has intensified. They aim to curb the military’s access to resources and halt its brutal suppression of the civilian population.
Read more: https://foej.in/the-old-grief-and-the-sea-story-of-rohingya/: Rohingya War: What is the Global Response so far?Response From the US
On Wednesday, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the Shwe Byain Phyu Group of Companies, its owner Thein Win Zaw, and his wife and two adult children. The department also imposed the sanctions on Myanmar Five Star Line, a shipping concern.
The two businesses are alleged to have a link with Myanma Economic Holdings Public Co. Ltd., or MEHL, which is owned by the currently ruling Burmese military, or Tatmadaw. The Tatmadaw has always used economic enterprises to fund its own operations. According to the Treasury, these two businesses’ links to MEHL aided the military regime’s purchase of foreign money as well as the importation of petroleum and other supplies.
Speaking in Congress, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell stated that the conflict has displaced around 2.5 million people. US officials and senators advocated for the unconditional release of all political prisoners, provide unrestricted humanitarian access, and respect the public’s desire for a return to representative democracy. According to McConnell, around 2,000 members of Myanmar’s biggest pro-democracy party, as well as many others from Burmese society and many ethnic groups, are being held as political prisoners without due process.
Report by Amnesty International
Despite international efforts to end attacks on civilians, Myanmar’s leadership has continued to bomb civilian areas using military aircraft. According to Amnesty International, new information reveals that Myanmar’s junta is trying new ways to import aviation fuel after restrictions imposed in response to air attacks.
According to Amnesty International, last year—2023—was the worst for airstrikes in Myanmar since the coup three years ago.
Response From the UK
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office imposed new sanctions to starve Myanmar’s military of resources. Teaming up with other nations, they aim for a peaceful and democratic future in Myanmar. The focus is on the rganizations linked to the military, responsible for human rights violations, are intensifying pressure due to ongoing abuses.
Before this, the British government had already acted against 25 people and 33 groups in Myanmar. Now, they’re focusing on two military divisions and two government-owned organizations that help the military.
