Context:
The raging conflict in Myanmar will feature prominently in discussions between visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the India visit, sources said.
Civil War Definition
- A civil war is an extended armed conflict among organized factions of the same state.
- This typically includes battles by different political, social or ideological forces vying to dominate governance territory or resources.
Background of the Present Civil War in Myanmar
- 2020 Elections and Military Coup
- The National League for Democracy NLD led by Aung San Suu Kyi won the 2020 elections.
- The military junta Tatmadaw refused to accept the results citing baseless allegations of electoral fraud .
- In February, 2021
- Tatmadaw staged a coup detaining NLD leaders declaring a state of emergency and taking control of the government.
- Protests and Resistance
- The coup was followed by massive protests across the country demanding democracy and the freedom of arrested leaders.
- Movements of civil disobedience including civil servants, activists and citizens came out to protest against the junta.
- Popular Resistance Forces
- Due to increased repression political organizations launched the popular resistance forces known as PDFs.
- PDFs allied with the NUG an illegal government formed by lawmakers who were overthrown in their bid to overthrow the junta .
Current Situation
The situation in Myanmar has escalated over the last year, with the military junta losing control over areas in Chin state, Rakhine, and the Sagaing region. Maungdaw near the Indo-Bangladesh frontier was the latest town to fall to the Arakan Army in December 2024.
Effect of Myanmars Civil War on India
- Diplomatic Neutrality
- India has adopted a cautious approach expressing concern over democratic disruptions while engaging with the junta to safeguard its strategic interests.
- Burmese Refugees
- An influx of Myanmarese nationals into Northeast Indian states particularly Mizoram and Manipur has added pressure amid existing instability in Manipur.
- Strategic Implications
- Antijunta forces have captured towns near key border points.
- Rikhawdar Situated near Zokhawthar in Mizoram
- Khampat In Sagaing Region near Manipur and forms part of the proposed India-Myanmar-Thailand highway project.
India’s Legislative Framework for Refugees
- Foreigners Act 1946
- Gives the central government the powers to detect detain and deport illegal foreign nationals.
- Passport Entry into India Act 1920
- Enables the authorities to expel illegal foreigners forcibly under constitutional measures.
- Registration of Foreigners Act 1939
- Makes it a statutory requirement for foreign nationals with visas over 180 days duration to report to a Registration Officer within 14 days of landing.
- Citizenship Act 1955
- Makes rules regarding renunciation termination and denial of citizenship.
- Citizenship Amendment Act 2019
- CAA Provides citizenship to persecuted religious minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan .
- Standard Operating Procedure SOP
- Guides agencies on how to handle foreign nationals claiming refugee status.
Dual Citizenship in India!
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following pairs: (2016)
| Community sometimes mentioned in the news | In the affairs of | |
| 1. | Kurd | Bangladesh |
| 2. | Madhesi | Nepal |
| 3. | Rohingya | Myanmar |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
Ans- (c)
Mains
Q. How does illegal transborder migration pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bringing out the factors which give impetus to such migration. (2014)
