Thursday, November 16, 2023

A similar situation is possible.

"The military-installed president of Myanmar has warned that the country is in danger of breaking apart if the government cannot control fighting which has broken out in Shan State." "Three ethnic insurgent armies in Shan State...have overrun dozens of military posts," and captured border crossings with China. China is turning a blind eye "because of its frustration over the military government's inaction over the scam centers" where thousands of Chinese and other foreigners have been forced to work. BBC. In October 2022, "Over 100 Indian workers were rescued from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia after they were lured by agents for fake job opportunities in the information technology sector in Thailand, the Centre said." FE. In November 2020, the National League for Democracy (NLD) party of Aung San Suu Kyi "won 346 seats, more than 322 seats needed to form the next government," "But the military-backed opposition has demanded a re-run of the election." BBC. On 1 February 2021, the military carried out a coup, arrested leaders of the NLD, including Suu Kyi, and put a military junta in power. wikipedia. That prompted a civil war in Myanmar. The Myanmar military, Tatmadaw, is sustained by Chinese diplomatic and military support even though China knows that arms supplied by it will be used against civilians. Mint. Five days back, "A Myanmar fighter jet has crashed during clashes between the military and an insurgent group, both sides said, in another setback for a junta facing the biggest challenge to its rule since a coup in 2021." Reuters. "A total of 261 people - 127 soldiers and 134 of their family members - surrendered from an infantry battalion in Myanmar's Shan State," and "the rebel Three Brotherhood Alliance expects to capture Laukkiang, the areas major city." The Wire. So desperate is the situation that, "Myanmar's military rulers have ordered all military staff and those with military experience to prepare to serve in case of an emergency, an official said.., after the junta reported 'heavy assaults' from insurgents in several places." HT. "India on Thursday (yesterday) expressed deep concern at fighting between Myanmar's anti-junta groups and government forces close to the country's border, which resulted in Myanmar nationals seeking refuge in Mizoram." HT. "At least 29 more Myanmar soldiers entered India on Thursday" after "Earlier this week, 43 Myanmar soldiers entered India's Mizoram state after their military bases were overrun by the rebels." Reuters. India cannot annoy the Tatmadaw, while paying lip service to democracy. Also, "As a fallout of the ongoing India-Canada diplomatic spat, importers are not signing contracts for the imports of lentils from Canada." BS. Hence, "Importers of tur (pigeon peas) and urad (black gram) are not bringing their purchases from Myanmar to India. Instead, they are hoarding the pulses to book profit amid rising prices in the domestic market." Mint. The dreaded Enforcement Directorate (ED) of India, which can arrest anyone in India without proof, cannot raid warehouses in Myanmar. The generals in Myanmar cannot surrender power because they may be prosecuted and even executed for their crimes. Is there a parallel in India? Could we see a similar situation? Anything is possible.

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