From Our Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Nov 21: After expressing serious concern over the troubled situation in Myanmar, India on Tuesday issued an advisory to its citizens not to visit the neighbouring country and those living in the strife-torn country to refrain from venturing into troubled areas by interstate road.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also issued an advisory to this effect and urged Indian citizens to register with the embassy for any eventuality. An MEA spokesman had expressed concern over violence near the India-Myanmar border, and while confirming that several Myanmar nationals have fled into the neighbouring Indian state of Mizoram.
“In view of the evolving security situation in Myanmar, all Indian nationals are advised to avoid non-essential travel. Those already living in Myanmar are advised to take precaution and avoid travel to the regions affected by violence. Interstate travel by road should also be avoided. Indian nationals living in Myanmar are requested to register with the Embassy of India, Yangon,” the advisory stated.
The ongoing civilian strife in Myanmar resulting in exodus of its citizens is also stated to be one of the reasons for continuing ethnic strife in Manipur for months. Four Northeastern states — Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram — share an international boundary with Myanmar with countries sharing a heritage of religious, linguistic and ethnic ties.
Earlier, resistance forces in Myanmar seized power near the Chin state, posing the biggest test the junta in Myanmar has faced since grabbing power in 2021. Myanmar’s soldiers as well as civilians have reportedly fled into Mizoram as fighting continues in Rikhawdar — less than 10 km from Zokhawthar on the Indian side in Mizoram.
“There has been movement of Myanmar nationals to the India side. We are deeply concerned with such incidents close to the border,” MEA spokesperson had said in a weekly briefing earlier. He reiterated India’s call for cessation of violence, and “return of peace, stability and democracy” in Myanmar.
“Since the current conflict started, a large number of Myanmar citizens have taken refuge in India. Local authorities in concerned neighbouring states have been handling the situation appropriately on humanitarian grounds. We have also been facilitating the return of those who wish to go back to Myanmar,” he added, without specifying how many Myanmar’s citizens have crossed into India during the recent spate of violence.
