The escalated crackdowns by the military Junta of Myanmar on civilians protesting the February 1 coup has claimed dozens of lives. The military dictators are using aggressive violent actions to intimidate pro-democracy demonstrators to break their morale to halt the protests. At least 54 people have been killed over the past six weeks and nearly 1,800 others have been arrested. In addition, to tear gas and rubber bullets, soldiers are firing live rounds at unarmed protesters.
India issued a ritualistic statement expressing its “deep concern” over events in Myanmar and reiterating Delhi’s “commitment to democratic transition” in the country. However, the Modi government has remained silent on the terrible violence being unleashed on Myanmar’s people. This is unconscionable. The use of police and military muscle to crush protests for democracy must be condemned.
Now, as a sign of global solidarity for the situation in Myanmar, the United Nations Security Council issued a Presidential Statement in which India played a constructive role.
The UNSC reiterated deep concern about the development in Myanmar while condemning the violence against peaceful protesters.
The statement expressed deep concern over restrictions against medical personnel, civil society, labour union members, journalists, and media workers and called for the immediate release of all those detained arbitrarily. This is the first time the UNSC statement has condemned the violence in Myanmar.
Interestingly, immediately after the UNSC statement, the Chinese envoy to the United Nations Zhang Jun had issued a statement and parroted the line of Myanmar’s military.
In the UNSC statement, China said, now it’s time for de-escalation. It’s time for diplomacy. It’s time for dialogue. Adding, the international community should create an enabling environment for relevant parties in Myanmar to address differences under the constitutional and legal framework.
The US, which is the chair of the UNSC for the month of March also issued a statement commending the courage and determination of the peaceful protestors in Burma in the face of continued, brutal attacks by military and security forces.
The US does not recognize Myanmar as the official name of the country but refers to it as Burma. Myanmar was the name adopted by the country’s military in 1989.
India must avoid condoning the junta, as China has, or publicly censuring it, as western powers have. Neither approach is useful. Instead, it should quietly push the military to release Suu Kyi and other political prisoners and halt the violent crackdowns on civilians. Delhi has influence over the generals. This can work.
