A positive message from Myanmar, says India

Ambassador calls for greater international collaboration to address exodus of Rohingya who are facing action from security forces in Rakhine State

No country for children: A scene at the Rohingya refugee camp at Kalindi Kunj, New Delhi, on September 19, 2017. V. Sudershan

India on Tuesday praised Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s speech on the Rohingya, saying it contained a ‘very positive’ message.

Indian ambassador to Myanmar Vikram Misri said the situation in the Rakhine state of Myanmar has caused concern in India and urged greater international collaboration to address the exodus of the Rohingya who have been facing action from the Myanmar security forces.

“It was an encouraging address and contained a very positive message. I think we all appreciate the problems and complex challenges that Myanmar faces. The situation that has come about in the Rakhine state in recent days is something that has caused a lot of concern to not only people within the country but its neighbours, including us, too,” said the ambassador.

‘Imperfect’ democracy

Ms. Suu Kyi, who has been criticised in recent weeks due to the intensified military campaign against the Rohingya, delivered her ‘State of the Union’ address on the issue.

Acknowledging that Myanmar is an “imperfect” democracy, she said, “We don’t want Myanmar to be a nation divided by religious beliefs or ethnicities. Hate and fear are the main scourge and a transition for us is a transition to democracy after half a century or more of authoritarian rule.”

The Indian envoy also said that India shares Myanmar’s security concerns without compromising on security for the ‘innocent’ civilians (Rohingya). The envoy’s position reflects the recent Indian statements which expressed concern for the Rohingya while supporting Myanmar’s security concerns about terrorism.

‘Shared at various levels’

“It is a concern that we have shared at various levels. But it is also clear that this is something in which while we recognise the right of the authorities to provide security and defend themselves against violent attacks. It is also important in the same context to also prevent violence against innocent bystanders and civilians,” said Mr. Misri in his statement to the media.

However, Ms. Suu Kyi continued to attract criticism from the human rights organisations.