Myanmar crisis and its implications for India
Mushtaq Ahmad Butt
Myanmar, erstwhile Burma is a well known south East Asian country. The capital of the Myanmar is NAYPAW TAW, inhabited by around 54million people, majority of whom being Buddhists. Once a British colony got liberation in 1948, with this separate colony was being administered on democratic lines, the pioneer leader being Ang San Suky, a Nobel laureate.
However, on February first, the country’s military seized the democratically elected government of Aung San Su kyi [NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY], citing allegations of rigged elections. From historical point of view this happens to be the third time since British era that democratically elected government has been pulled down or sidelined by a military power.
In year 2021, again, the democracy was suspended after general elections were held in November 2020.In this election NLD secured majority of seats. Despite this terrific victory, the democracy was thrown to winds again. This is pertinent to mention that in Myanmar parliament 25% seats are reserved for military including several ministerial positions.
The Coup took place when fresh session of parliament initiated its business. The seizure of democracy has been widely criticized as well as condemned by all developed countries like UK, European Union and Australia. According to UN secretary, Antonio Gutress “It was a serious blow to democratic reforms”. This is utter surprising that China has labeled Myanmars Democracy crisis as Cabinet Reshuffle”. While other countries digested it as internal matter of the country.
While India is deeply and sympathically concerned with toppling of democracy in Myanmar owing to its historical positive relations with the country. Why India is so engrossed with military revival rule, there are ample reasons to justify the same. The relations between India and Myanmar are extremely close due to continuous assistance of Myanmar regarding security and safety of North East Frontier from insurgents. The bedrock on which India – Myanmar relations exist are India’s Act East Policy.
Besides military and diplomatic ties India’s Economic relations are also quite significant as India has been deeply involved in development projects with Myanmar which is considered as “GATEWAY TO THE EAST and ASIAN countries”.
Like India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway, Kaladan multi model transit transport network, Shale oil and gas project investment. Apart from this India is anticipating to solve the Rohingiya refugee problems with Mayanmar as hundreds and thousands of Rohingya refugee have fled to Bangladesh and India.
(The author is a teacher and hails from Kulgam)
KV Online
