Vantage | Why Myanmar's crisis worries China and India but not the world

In the turbulent landscape of Myanmar, a month-long conflict has unfolded, marking a significant shift in the power dynamics of the region. What began as a coordinated offensive by rebel groups, collectively known as the Brotherhood Alliance, against the military junta, has now escalated into a multifaceted crisis with far-reaching implications.

The Brotherhood Alliance’s offensive The Brotherhood Alliance, comprising three rebel groups, initiated its offensive in the northeastern state of Shan. Starting with skirmishes, the rebels quickly expanded their attacks, spreading across multiple regions. The rebels, making substantial tactical gains, have reportedly overrun at least 180 military installations, according to various reports. One notable development is the inclusion of the Chin National Army in the rebel ranks. This collaboration has put the Myanmar military on the defensive causing a significant shift in the balance of power. The rebels’ progress has now reached the Chin State, where towns like Lai-Len-Pi have fallen to anti-junta forces. Refugee crisis and India’s response The fighting has spilled over into India’s northeastern state of Mizoram with the capture of towns near the border. As a result, a refugee crisis has emerged, compelling India to take a cautious and humanitarian approach. While offering shelter to fleeing civilians, India has also reportedly repatriated soldiers who crossed the border. “When I was there (in Myanmar), there were so many problems and the army, the military they came to our village and just like go to one-by-one houses and knocking the doors and ask them to come out, everybody. So some people are very scared and hiding inside the houses even though they (military) are breaking their door and let them to come out, that time is (was) very worst,” said Myanmar refugee Lalremruati. Brotherhood Alliance’s significant advances extend to the northern Shan State, where the rebels have taken control of the crucial Myanmar-China border gate in the town of Muse. This strategic location, vital for trade, has now become a focal point in the conflict. The border takeover has led to violent clashes, prompting China to conduct live-fire military drills on its side of the border, a move not seen since 2017. Myanmar military’s response and crackdown In response to the escalating conflict, reports indicate that the Myanmar military has resorted to forced conscription in Yangon, causing panic among civilians. The military junta has dismissed these allegations as baseless, but the crackdown on mobile internet services and the prosecution of individuals using satellite internet further highlight the severity of the situation. As the conflict intensifies, civilians bear the brunt of the crisis. According to the United Nations, over 300,000 people have been displaced in just one month, facing shortages of food and water and living in constant fear for their lives. Despite the alarming humanitarian situation, there has been a notable absence of a unified international call for a ceasefire, raising concerns about the lack of global attention on Myanmar’s plight. Myanmar’s escalating conflict demands urgent international attention and intervention to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire. As the crisis unfolds, the geopolitical implications for neighbouring countries, particularly India and China, underscore the need for a coordinated and decisive response to bring an end to the violence and pave the way for a sustainable peace in the region. 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.