A civil war is a broad term for any protracted conflict between organized factions or groups within the same nation. Typically, these groups possess stark social, political, or ideological differences and they engage in armed confrontations aiming at acquiring control over the nation’s governance, territory, or resources.
The Roots of the Current Civil War in Myanmar
The seeds for Myanmar’s current civil unrest were sown with the 2020 Elections and subsequent Military Coup. The National League for Democracy (NLD), under the leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi, emerged victorious in the November 2020 elections. However, the military junta, known as the Tatmadaw, accused the process of being fraudulent without substantial evidence and rejected the election results. In February 2021, the military seized control, detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and other elected leaders, and declared a state of emergency.
Protests and Formation of Resistance Forces
The coup triggered large-scale protests across the country. Citizens from all walks of life joined the movement to demand the restoration of democracy. In response to the Tatmadaw’s harsh crackdown on dissent, various opposition groups formed the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs). These groups, which included Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and armed civilians, aligned themselves with the National Unity Government (NUG).
The impact has been felt nationwide with fighting breaking out in Rakhine State, Kayin State, the Sagaing region bordering Manipur, and Chin State bordering Mizoram.
Implications of the Ongoing Civil War in Myanmar for India
India has thus far managed a balanced stance between expressing concern over the interruption of democracy in Myanmar and engaging with the junta to protect its vital interests. However, an immediate concern for India has risen with the influx of Myanmarese nationals into the bordering Northeastern states.
The situation is further complicated as anti-junta forces have captured two important towns close to the only two border crossing points between Myanmar and India namely Rikhawdar, close to Zokhawthar in Mizoram, and Khampat in the Sagaing region.
India’s Legislative Framework for Handling Refugees
Under the Foreigners Act of 1946, India treats all foreigners whether they are illegal immigrants, refugees/asylum seekers or those overstaying visa permits uniformly. The act empowers the central government to detect, detain and deport illegal foreign nationals.
This is supported by the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 that under Section 5, enables authorities to remove an illegal foreigner by force. Additionally, the Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939 mandates registration for all long-term visa foreign nationals. Lastly, the Citizenship Act, 1955 contains provisions related to renunciation, termination, and deprivation of citizenship.
To efficiently handle cases related to refugees, India has also issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be followed by all agencies dealing with foreign nationals claiming to be refugees.
Examining Previous Year Questions on Similar Topics
A question from the 2016 Civil Services Examination Prelims asked to match communities mentioned in news with countries, where Rohingya was correctly paired with Myanmar. In the Mains examination of 2014, candidates were asked to discuss the security threats posed by illegal transborder migration to India and outline strategies to curb it.
