Myanmar coup forces its citizens into No Man’s Land on India border
Myanmar has been witnessing bloodshed and upheaval ever since a military coup deposed the democratically elected government on February 1. At least 1,000 Myanmar citizens have reportedly fled to India so far to escape violence. Scores of Myanmar nationals are now taking shelter in No Man’s Land near Moreh town in Manipur along the India-Myanmar border. They are seeking help from the local authorities of Manipur for shelter inside the Indian territory.On Monday, more than 100 Myanmar nationals tried to flee to India through Moreh borders, police said. Near Border Pillar 79, more than 30 families seek help for their stay at Moreh. The Indian security forces have stopped them at the border.Th Vikramjit Singh, superintendent of police of Tengnoupal district in Manipur, told India Today, “Yesterday, some Myanmar nationals had tried to sneak into the Indian side, but security personnel had pushed back them. Many Myanmar nationals are trying to enter Manipur.”He also said some people may have already entered Manipur because a large part of the India-Myanmar border is forest area. More security personnel have been deployed along the bordering areas, he added.Nearby villagers have provided them food at the border. Locals of Moreh town said over 300 Myanmar nationals have already entered Manipur and are now taking shelter in hillside areas. Locals have provided food and clothes to them.“Following the violent situation in Myanmar, many people from the Tamu area in Myanmar have fled and entered Manipur by crossing the Indo-Myanmar border to seek shelter. We have tried to provide food and clothes to them at best,” said a villager of the Moreh area.
India’s stand
India condemned the ongoing violence in Myanmar that has caused hundreds of deaths over the past months. Speaking at the recent UNSC Arria-Formula meeting on Myanmar in New York, Deputy Permanent Representative of India at the United Nations (UN) Nagaraj Naidu said, “India condemns the use of violence in Myanmar and deeply condoles the loss of lives. It is essential to observe maximum restraint. It is equally important to uphold humanitarian principles.”“We are cognizant of the serious impact of political instability in the country and the potential of its spillover beyond Myanmar’s borders,” Naidu added.
SOURCE: INDIA TODAY
