#WhatIsHappeningInMyanmar #CrisisInMyanmar #MyanmarCoup
India was among only eight countries that chose to send a representative to attend the Myanmar Armed Forces Day military parade in Naypyitaw on March 27, a day that saw the country’s military shoot and kill at least 90 civilians, with some reports putting the death toll at 114.
Weeks of demonstrations and a deadly crackdown have roiled the nation since the February 1 coup brought back full military rule. The death toll before Saturday’s bloodbath was estimated at more than 400.
As news about the participation of foreign missions at the official parade emerged, there was immediate condemnation from pro-democracy protestors on social media.
Additionally, the Manipur government issued an order on March 26, barring district administrations and civil society organisations from opening shelters or providing food to refugees from Myanmar who may have crossed the border in the recent days, as the military intensifies violence against those protesting against the coup. As widespread criticism followed, the Manipur government on March 29 withdrew the earlier order. Issuing a fresh notification, the government said the “contents of the [earlier] letter have been misconstrued” and the “state government continues to provide all aid”.
The Wire analyses the situation in Myanmar and India's response to the crisis. Dr. Happymon Jacon, Founder of the Council for Strategic and Defense Research, offers his take on the response made by the government so far.
Siddharth Varadarajan, a Founding Editor of The Wire also highlights the attempt of the Indian government to appease Myanmar's military and its attitude towards the refugees that are making their way to the country.
