The ongoing political turmoil in Myanmar has resulted in the loss of innocent lives as the military junta, which took power in a coup in 2021, has been accused of using brutal tactics to suppress opposition. In a recent incident, 11 civilians, including women and children, were killed and 11 others injured in air strikes on a town near the Chinese border. The ethnic armed group TNLA, which has been fighting against the junta, has claimed responsibility for the attacks and condemns the junta's use of air and artillery strikes against civilian communities.
A rights group based in the United Kingdom has issued a warning for the global community to take action against the escalating genocide against Myanmar's Rohingya minority. The call comes as fighting between the military and a powerful ethnic armed group in the western Rakhine State traps thousands of Rohingya in the conflict zone. The United Nations has also condemned the looting and burning of food stores and warehouses belonging to the World Food Programme, which has left Rohingya residents with nowhere to flee. The Rohingya, who have long suffered persecution in Myanmar, are now facing increased persecution and a "slow death" at the hands of the military, which has even resorted to forcibly recruiting community members, including children, for combat.
After the announcement by the Personnel Ministry, it has been confirmed that Vikram Misri will succeed Vinay Mohan Kwatra as India's new Foreign Secretary, his term starting on July 15th, 2024. Misri, a 1989 batch of Indian Foreign Service officer, is currently serving as Deputy National Security Advisor in the National Security Council Secretariat and has a distinguished career serving as an Indian envoy in China, Myanmar, and Spain. He also has the unique experience of serving as Private Secretary to three Indian Prime Ministers. Subscribe now to receive daily updates on this exciting development.
As India prepares to enforce new criminal laws on July 1, many wonder if the country's police forces are adequately prepared for the changes. The laws, meant to address issues of forced displacement and discrimination against minority groups such as Muslims and Adivasis, raise concerns about how they will be enforced and if they will truly address the underlying issues. This development also highlights the role of moral diplomacy in realpolitik, as seen in India's strained relationships with Israel, Palestine, and Myanmar under the leadership of Janata Dal (United) and PV Narasimha Rao.
As North Korea prepares to face Myanmar in its final match of the Group B second round of World Cup qualifiers, all eyes are on the outcome of the game. With North Korea trailing behind Syria by just one point, the team's fate hinges on the result of this crucial match. Will North Korea be able to secure its spot in the next round or will Myanmar prove to be a formidable opponent? Don't miss this must-watch match between two talented teams.
Asia was struck by multiple earthquakes ranging from magnitudes 3.4 to 6.1. The affected areas include Afghanistan-Tajikstan border, Myanmar, Ladakh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman Sea, southern Iran, and parts of Nepal. The tremors were felt in various regions, causing panic and resulting in the deaths of at least three people.
In a shocking incident, a Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence while flying over Myanmar, resulting in injuries and casualties among the passengers. Four days after the emergency, 43 passengers remain hospitalised in Bangkok with 7 in intensive care. The statement by the Samitivej Srinakarin hospital also revealed that the passengers affected include Australians, Malaysians, British, and New Zealanders. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of international flights and the need for better precautionary measures.
In a show of solidarity, thousands of people belonging to the Kuki Zo tribe took to the streets in Manipur and Mizoram to protest against the Indian government's decision to cancel the Free Movement Regime with Myanmar and erect fencing on the border. The decision was made to address the issue of illegal immigration, which has been blamed for the ethnic strife in Manipur, that has resulted in the deaths of over 200 people. The protests, organised by various tribal organisations, aimed to send a message to the government to reconsider their decision and preserve the unique culture and identity of the Kuki Zo community.
In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Myanmar's military junta and the ethnic Arakan Army, at least 16 more Myanmar border guard police and army personnel have crossed the international border into Bangladesh seeking shelter. These individuals were taken into custody by the Border Guard Bangladesh in Naikhyangchhari and have surrendered their weapons. This recent event adds to the growing number of Myanmar soldiers and border force members seeking refuge in Bangladesh.
After a series of coordinated attacks by the Karen National Union (KNU), an anti-junta group, the crucial border town of Myawaddy has fallen to the hands of the resistance, dealing yet another blow to Myanmar's military-run government. With the capture of this key trading outpost, the rebels have forced around 200 junta soldiers to flee towards the border with Thailand, where they are seeking refuge. The ongoing conflicts between ethnic minority groups and the military have also led to thousands of people from Myanmar seeking shelter in neighboring countries.