• UGI USER
  • Mar 19, 2024
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THE MYANMAR CONFLICT IS A REGIONAL PROBLEM

Syllabus:

GS 2:

  • Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Focus:

  • The military’s actions have led to over 3.5 million people being displaced
Source:- Indian Express

The Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

  • Mass Displacement and Poverty: The military’s actions have led to over 3.5 million people being displaced, with nearly half of Myanmar’s population now living in poverty, exacerbating instability both within the country and in the region.
  • Regional Impact and Security Concerns: The conflict has spilled over Myanmar’s borders, affecting neighboring countries with security threats and humanitarian demands, thereby underlining the conflict’s status as a regional issue.

ASEAN’s Response and the Struggle for Stability

  • ASEAN’s Diplomatic Efforts: Despite ASEAN’s attempts to mediate the crisis through a five-point consensus with Myanmar’s junta leader, progress has been scant, with the situation arguably worsening since the 2021 coup.
  • The Rise of Resistance and Junta’s Intransigence: With 316 of Myanmar’s 330 townships experiencing active conflict and nearly 600 resistance groups emerging, the junta continues to ignore calls for democracy, intensifying its oppressive measures against civilians and journalists.

The Role and Resilience of Independent Media

  • Independent Media’s Struggle for Truth: Despite facing violence and suppression, Myanmar’s independent media remains committed to reporting the truth, promoting press freedom, and establishing an Independent Press Council to counter junta propaganda.
  • Call for International Support: The article underscores the need for a comprehensive approach by ASEAN and international stakeholders to support Myanmar towards achieving a democratic future, emphasizing the strategic, security, and economic benefits of a democratic post-junta Myanmar for the region.

In essence, the article highlights the critical situation in Myanmar following the military coup, detailing the impact on the media, the humanitarian crisis, ASEAN’s response, and the enduring fight for democracy and press freedom.

Key Factors Leading to Instability in Myanmar

  • Historical Background
    • Gained independence from Britain in 1948.
    • Ruled by armed forces from 1962 until a transition towards civilian rule began in 2011.
  • Transition to Democracy
    • Military regime initiated a move towards democracy in the 2010s, releasing political opponents and allowing elections.
    • The National League for Democracy (NLD) won the 2015 election, the country’s first free and fair multi-party election, hinting at a full democratic transition.
  • 2020 Military Coup
    • NLD won the majority in the November 2020 parliamentary election.
    • Military holds 25% of seats by the 2008 constitution, with key ministerial positions reserved for military appointees.
    • Military declared a state of emergency in 2021, claiming voting fraud, before the first parliamentary session of newly elected lawmakers.
  • UN Highlighted Issues Post-Coup
    • Military consistently disregarded international law obligations to protect civilians.
    • Myanmar’s economy has significantly declined, with nearly half the population living in poverty.
    • Over 16,000 individuals, including democratically elected leaders, have been detained since the coup.
  • The Rohingya Crisis
    • Violence in Rakhine State on August 25, 2017, led to mass displacement of the Rohingya.
    • The Rohingya have been marginalized from the pro-democracy movement.
    • The UN’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) in January 2020 ordered Myanmar to protect the Rohingya from genocide, acknowledging the severe human rights violations and ongoing crisis.

India Myanmar

  • Geopolitical Importance:
    • Myanmar serves as a crucial land bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, bolstering regional connectivity, especially with India’s northeastern states.
    • Maritime cooperation opportunities arise from the shared boundary in the Bay of Bengal, enhancing economic and strategic collaboration.
    • A strong relationship with Myanmar helps India counterbalance potential regional power imbalances, particularly against China’s growing influence.
  • Strategic Significance:
    • Myanmar’s strategic location impacts neighboring countries, emphasizing the importance of cooperative associations.
    • India’s “Neighborhood First” and “Act East” policies prioritize fostering strong relations with Myanmar.
    • Myanmar’s participation in regional organizations like SAARC, ASEAN, and BIMSTEC aligns with India’s broader diplomatic initiatives.
  • Areas of Collaborative Cooperation:
    • Bilateral trade is significant, with India ranking as Myanmar’s fifth-largest trading partner, focusing on sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT, and energy.
    • Energy cooperation plays a vital role in India’s energy security, with substantial investments in Myanmar’s oil and gas sector.
    • Infrastructure projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway enhance connectivity and trade.
    • Strategic defense partnership includes military training, joint exercises, and initiatives like the India-Myanmar Bilateral Army Exercise (IMBAX).
  • Capacity Building Measures:
    • India extends developmental assistance through soft loans and supports institution-building in areas like information technology and agriculture research.
    • Capacity building in disaster risk mitigation and humanitarian assistance during crises like Cyclone Mora and earthquakes reflect India’s commitment to regional well-being.
  • Cultural Connectivity:
    • Cultural ties, including Buddhist heritage and colonial history, form the basis of diplomatic relations between India and Myanmar.

Key Issues in the India-Myanmar Relationship:

  • Internal Security Concerns:
    • Porous, poorly guarded border exploited by terrorist organizations and insurgent groups.
    • Indian rebel groups have established camps in Myanmar’s border areas.
  • Free Movement Regime (FMR):
    • Consideration of terminating FMR due to issues like illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
    • Despite enhancing relations, FMR criticized for facilitating illicit activities.
  • Triangular Power Struggle in Myanmar:
    • Political instability post-military coup continues, perpetuating violent conflict.
    • Myanmar struggles with internal strife and civil unrest.
  • China’s Influence:
    • China’s significant economic ties and infrastructure projects solidify its influence in Myanmar.
    • India faces challenges in mitigating Chinese influence in Myanmar.
  • Infrastructure Project Delays:
    • Growing trust deficit due to prolonged delays in joint infrastructure projects like Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and Sittwe port.
  • Rohingya Crisis:
    • Humanitarian tragedy strains relations as Rohingya seek refuge in neighboring countries.
    • India cites security concerns and resource burden for its stance on the Rohingya crisis.

Source:

https://epaper.thehindu.com/reader

Mains Practice Question:

Analyse the political developments in Myanmar from its independence in 1948 to the present day. Discuss the impact of the military’s role in the country’s governance, particularly focusing on the transition towards democracy in the 2010s, the 2020 military coup, and its consequences on Myanmar’s socio-political landscape. Additionally, examine the international response to the Rohingya crisis and its implications for regional stability and human rights. (250 marks)