The first step to resolve the dispute may be to acknowledge that the existence of the Rohingyas in Myanmar is a historical fact and their status as an ethnic minority needs to be restored, and their political and social protections shall be ensured in Myanmar.
Authors
Abhinav Mehrotra, Assistant Professor, Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India.
Biswanath Gupta, Associate Professor, Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India.
Summary
With hundreds of Myanmarese having crossed the border to seek refuge after heavy fighting between rebels and the junta, India on November 16 said that it was “deeply concerned” and wanted a cessation of the violence through “constructive dialogue”. In the last couple of days, intense fighting has taken place near the border with India, with some reports stating that more than 5,000 refugees have escaped across the border.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) acknowledged that the fighting has led to an exodus of civilians across the border. “As a result of fighting between Rikhawadar area opposite Zokhawthar area in [the] India-Myanmar border in Mizoram, in the Chin state of Myanmar, there has been a movement of Myanmar nationals to the Indian side,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
He asserted that India was worried about the fighting and would like an end to it. “We are deeply concerned with such incidents close to our border. Our position on the ongoing situation in Myanmar is very clear. We want cessation of the violence and resolution of the situation through constructive dialogue,” stated Bagchi. He added that authorities in the Indian states “have been handling the situation appropriately on humanitarian grounds”.
He reiterated that India has called for the “return of peace, stability, and democracy in Myanmar” and that Myanmar citizens had taken refuge since the start of the current conflict in 2021. He did not, however, specifically address the issue of Myanmar soldiers entering Mizoram after their military camp was taken over by rebels.
Published in: News18
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