Why Burmese Generals Should Worry New Delhi

Source: The post is based on an article “Why Burmese Generals should worry New Delhi?” published in the Times of India on 27^th July 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 International Relations: Bilateral Relations

Relevance: India-Myanmar Relations

Context: Recently, four pro-democracy activists were executed in Myanmar. These were few of the political prisoners in military-ruled Myanmar. The article discusses, are there any repercussions of happenings in Myanmar on India?

After the coup in Myanmar, 2,100 people have been killed, 1 million displaced, 8,000 put in custody and 114 sentenced to death.

As per the report, at least 382 children have been killed or maimed and over 1,400 children have been arrested since the military takeover.

The UN Human Rights Chief has condemned the executions and called for the release of all political prisoners in Myanmar.

India-Myanmar Relations – The Northeast-Myanmar connect

(A) The Northeast region of India shares a 1,642 km border with Myanmar. Therefore, the entire region has long been known as the “Indo-Burma Border”.

(B) Historical links between the Northeast and Myanmar have existed for centuries.

(1) Myanmar took over parts of the former Kingdom of Manipur during a period of history called “Chahi Taret Khuntakpa” or “Seven Years Devastation” between 1819 and 1826.

(2) Myanmar was part of British India till 1935.

(3) The McMahon Line was drawn by the British separated families and communities.

(C) Till today there are many Manipuri villages in Myanmar and several indigenous communities straddle both sides of the border.

Repercussions of the current military takeover of Myanmar for India

A large number of people have been displaced from Myanmar to Mizoram and Manipur. There are around 70,000 Burmese refugees in Mizoram and more than 30,000 in Manipur, including 16 Burmese lawmakers.

There are over 100 refugee camps in Mizoram for this incoming population.

Unlike Mizoram, Manipur has not established refugee camps and has even arrested several Burmese refugees.

What should be done?

(1) The Government of India (GOI) must provide a cross-border assistance program to address the displacement crisis in western Myanmar bordering Northeast India.

(2) Immediate and flexible assistance should be provided for the refugees, particularly for displaced women and children.

(3) In the spirit of Act East policy, the GOI should go for long-term cross-border programs to address the humanitarian crisis and rising xenophobia in Mizoram and Manipur.

(4) The Indo-Burma region is of immense geo-strategic importance. Therefore, the GOI should support Myanmar democracy leaders who espouse democracy and rule of law in Myanmar. India is already hosting the Tibetan government in exile. This would be of great strategic value for peace building on India’s eastern borders.