NEW DELHI: India has initiated the deportation of numerous citizens from Myanmar who sought refuge in the country following an escalation in conflict between the ruling junta and rebels in a border region, as confirmed by N. Biren Singh, the chief minister of Manipur state. The first group of Myanmar nationals who entered India unlawfully has been repatriated, with a total of 77 individuals, including 51 women and five children, scheduled for deportation between March 8 and 11, according to a confidential government document obtained by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Singh emphasized that while India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, it has extended aid and shelter to those fleeing the crisis in Myanmar on humanitarian grounds with a systematic approach. The influx of civilians escaping the conflict in Myanmar has led to their arrival in Manipur, seeking safety.
The deportation process was captured in a video shared by Singh, featuring predominantly women and children from Myanmar being sent back. This move comes following the Indian government’s decision to terminate a free movement border agreement with Myanmar, which permitted residents of border areas to venture into each other’s territories without a visa. Additionally, India is constructing a 1,643-kilometer-long fence along the porous border with Myanmar, spanning remote jungles and snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
The residents of border regions, particularly in Manipur, share deep cultural and religious connections with the people of Myanmar. Tensions have escalated in Manipur, resulting in over 200 fatalities since last May due to clashes between the predominantly Hindu Meitei community and the predominantly Christian Kuki community. Many of the individuals seeking refuge in India from Myanmar have ethnic ties to the Kukis.
The border regions near Myanmar have experienced recurrent conflicts since the Arakan Army fighters launched attacks on security forces in November, marking the end of a ceasefire that had been in place since the coup on February 1, 2021, which ousted the elected government led by Aung Sang Suu Kyi, the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Among those fleeing Myanmar to seek safety in India are numerous soldiers escaping the ongoing violence.
In recent years, the relationship between India and Myanmar has been shaped by a complex interplay of geopolitical factors, ethnic conflicts, and humanitarian crises. The deportation of Myanmar citizens from India highlights the challenges faced by individuals seeking refuge across borders amid escalating violence and political instability.
The situation in Myanmar, following the military coup in 2021, has led to a surge in conflicts between the ruling junta and various ethnic rebel groups, resulting in a humanitarian crisis that has forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes in search of safety. The border regions between India and Myanmar have become crucial transit points for those escaping the violence, with Manipur serving as a key entry point for many displaced individuals.
The decision by the Indian government to deport Myanmar nationals, despite not being a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, underscores the complexities of managing refugee flows and balancing humanitarian concerns with national security interests. The construction of a fence along the border with Myanmar reflects India’s efforts to secure its boundaries while also acknowledging the historical and cultural ties shared with the people of Myanmar.
The clashes between different ethnic communities in Manipur and the broader implications of these conflicts on regional stability highlight the interconnected nature of internal strife and cross-border tensions. The influx of individuals with ethnic ties to the Kukis underscores the importance of addressing not just the immediate humanitarian needs of refugees but also the underlying social and political dynamics that contribute to displacement and conflict.
As India navigates its response to the refugee crisis stemming from Myanmar, it faces a delicate balancing act between upholding its humanitarian commitments and safeguarding its national interests. The deportation of Myanmar citizens is a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in managing refugee populations and the need for coordinated international efforts to address the root causes of displacement and conflict.
