Context:
Recently, the acting President of Myanmar, Myint Swe, announced the fourth extension of the ‘emergency’ for another six months.
More on News:
- Several political prisoners were released and even reduced the sentences imposed on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the deposed President Win Myint.
Image Credits: BBC
Rationale for extension of emergency:
- Military claims extension is due to the failure to establish ‘normalcy’ in large parts of the country.
- Emergency extension hinders proposed elections by the military regime.
India’s Initial Response and Subsequent Concerns in Myanmar
- Early Pandemic and Coup Response
- Humanitarian Assistance: India provides food and vaccine aid in response to COVID-19 and the coup.
- Fading Concern for Myanmarese Plight
- Shifting Priorities: Focus on Myanmar’s issues diminishes over time.
- Accusations and Distractions: Allegations of instigating violence in Manipur divert attention.
- Border Communities and Refugee Shelter
- Defiance of Home Ministry: Communities along the border offer shelter to refugees despite government concerns.
- Suspension of Free Movement Regime
- Trafficking and Drug Concerns: Worries over illicit activities lead to the suspension of the Free Movement Regime.
- Policy Impact: Measures to address security challenges affecting border relations.
Indian Policy of engagement with Myanmar:
- India’s policy toward Myanmar presents a paradox: commitment to democracy vs. security concerns.
- For example, India’s announcement of the Sairang-Hmawngbuchhuah railway project near the Myanmar border, under India’s Act East Policy, aims to counter China’s railway access in Myanmar through Yunnan and the ambitious China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.
- The United Nations Special Rapporteur has reported an increase in India’s arms supply to the military since the coup.
- Arming the Tatmadaw(Myanmar Military) undermines India’s position on restoring democracy.
India’s Challenge:
- Balancing Humanitarianism and Security
- Complex Dilemma: Navigating between aiding refugees and addressing security concerns.
- Policy Challenges: Striking a balance between humanitarian assistance and border stability.
Way Forward:
- Engagement with Pro-Democracy Actors
- Suu Kyi’s sentence reduction offers an opportunity for India to engage with her and pro-democracy figures.
- Diplomatic efforts to support democratic values.
- Refugee Treatment and Humanitarian Approach
- Avoid securitization and profiling of incoming refugees.
- Foster care, compassion, and a peaceful environment to prevent violence.
Free Movement Regime (FMR):
- India and Myanmar have activated a ‘free movement regime’ (FMR) for people residing in villages near their 1,643 km-long border.
- It allows tribes living along the border on either side to travel up to 16 km inside the other country without a visa.
- Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram share international boundary with Myanmar
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News Source: The Hindu
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