Army Chief General Manoj Pande revealed that approximately 416 Myanmarese soldiers crossed into India due to the ongoing conflict between Myanmar's armed ethnic groups and government forces. General Pande expressed concern about the situation near the Indo-Myanmar border during a press conference ahead of Army Day.

He noted that certain insurgent groups in the frontier region of Myanmar are experiencing pressure and attempting to enter Manipur. The Indian military is closely monitoring the evolving developments in the region.

Army Chief General Manoj Pande stated that the situation along the Indo-Myanmar border is under close observation. According to officials, all 416 Myanmarese military personnel have been successfully repatriated.

Reports indicate that anti-junta groups have seized control of key towns and military bases near Myanmar's border with India. The volatile situation has prompted numerous Myanmarese citizens to seek refuge in Mizoram.

Expressing concern, Army Chief General Manoj Pande addressed the situation along the Indo-Myanmar border, emphasizing the ongoing activities of the Myanmar Army, ethnic armed organizations, and the People's Defence Forces (PDF) in recent months. General Pande reported that approximately 416 Myanmarese Army personnel have crossed into India, along with civilians seeking shelter in Mizoram and Manipur.

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, General Pande noted the pressure on some insurgent groups, prompting attempts to enter the Indian side of the border, specifically in the state of Manipur.

Highlighting the evolving scenario, Army Chief General Manoj Pande emphasized the close monitoring of the combined situation in Manipur. He revealed that India is contemplating enhancing border fencing with Myanmar to address the concerns arising from the ongoing developments.

General Pande outlined India's proactive measures, stating that the deployment on the Indo-Myanmar border includes nearly 20 Assam Rifles battalions. The move aims to bolster India's posture in response to the situation. The unrest in Myanmar, marked by widespread protests calling for the restoration of democracy, has persisted since the military coup in February 2021.

The Myanmarese military has employed airstrikes against its adversaries involved in armed resistance against the ruling regime. Myanmar, a strategic neighbour of India, has a shared border of 1,640 kilometers with several northeastern states, including Nagaland and Manipur, which have experienced ongoing militancy.

Intensified hostilities between Myanmar's anti-junta groups and government forces in crucial towns and regions near the border with India have raised apprehensions within the Indian military establishment regarding potential spillover effects. In response to the escalating situation, India issued a call last month for a halt to the fighting between Myanmar's military and anti-junta groups along the Indo-Myanmar border.

Image source: Times of India