Vantage | Why India wants to fence its border with Myanmar

Amid Myanmar’s persistent civil unrest, neighbouring India has been drawn into the fray, with New Delhi expressing growing apprehension over the escalating situation. This concern culminated in the release of a significant advisory, marking the first of its kind since violence erupted in the region.

India issues advisory The advisory, issued by the Indian government, strongly urges individuals to evacuate Rakhine State immediately and advises against any travel plans to the area, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Rakhine State, situated along Myanmar’s western coast, has been a focal point of conflict, although it does not share a direct border with India. The roots of this conflict trace back to the displacement of Rohingya Muslims by the Myanmar military, which has now found itself in a reversal of roles as it faces opposition from groups like the Arakan Army, a key player in the ethnic coalition known as the Three Brotherhood Alliance. The Arakan Army has made significant territorial gains, capturing outposts, cities and even military installations, leading to a state of unrest that has prompted India’s intervention. India’s advisory reflects not only its immediate concerns but also a broader perspective on the regional implications of the conflict. As violence spreads beyond Rakhine State to other regions like Shan, Chin, Karenni and Sagaing, the international community, including Western nations, is increasingly calling for an end to the bloodshed. “We strongly condemn the ongoing violence harming civilians, including the military’s continued use of indiscriminate airstrikes. We echo the call of ASEAN (referring to Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in urging the Myanmar armed Forces, in particular, to cease its attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure,” said Barbara Woodward, permanent representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations. India wants border fence despite objections While India has refrained from openly condemning the Myanmar junta, it has advocated for peace and stability in the region. In a proactive move, India is contemplating a long-term solution to the crisis, proposing the construction of a border fence along its entire frontier with Myanmar, coupled with a patrol track to monitor activity effectively. This proposed measure is driven by the influx of Myanmar refugees into India, along with the presence of fleeing soldiers, which has raised security concerns, particularly in Manipur, situated on the border. However, the proposal is not without controversy, as it faces opposition from regional leaders like those in Nagaland and Mizoram, citing concerns over disrupting local sentiments and familial ties across the border. Despite the contentious nature of the proposal, the Indian government seems determined to proceed, viewing it as a means to mitigate its exposure to the conflict. However, it acknowledges that a border fence alone cannot resolve the underlying issues driving the conflict. For a lasting solution, an end to the violence is imperative, a prospect that remains uncertain as the junta continues its desperate tactics, including airstrikes on civilian targets. The recent bombing of a school in southern Myanmar, resulting in the tragic loss of children’s lives, underscores the severity of the situation and the ruthlessness of the junta’s tactics. With rebels gaining ground on the battlefield while the junta maintains control of the skies, the conflict shows no signs of abating, signalling potentially darker days ahead before any hope of resolution can emerge. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.