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Myanmar junta chief to make first China visit

The country has been in turmoil since the military takeover, with resistance groups and ethnic militias seizing significant territories from the junta, particularly along the Chinese border….reports Asian Lite News


Myanmar’s junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, will visit China this week for regional summits, marking his first trip to the influential neighbor since the 2021 coup.

The country has been in turmoil since the military takeover, with resistance groups and ethnic militias seizing significant territories from the junta, particularly along the Chinese border.

Min Aung Hlaing is set to attend the Greater Mekong Subregion and Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Co-operation Strategy (ACMECS) summits in Kunming on November 6-7, according to Myanmar’s state broadcaster MRTV. He will meet Chinese authorities to discuss enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in economic and developmental sectors.

China, which shares strategic interests with Myanmar, including key oil and gas pipelines and plans for a deep-sea port, has expressed concerns over the escalating conflict. Beijing has reportedly taken measures such as sealing parts of the border and halting imports to rebel-held areas. Additionally, China imports rare earths from Myanmar for its automotive and wind energy industries.
David Mathieson, an independent analyst, suggests that Min Aung Hlaing’s visit could either seek Chinese support or face pressure, both scenarios being detrimental to the Myanmar people. China has openly backed the junta’s State Administration Council (SAC) and its planned electoral transition
The junta began a national census last month to prepare for an election in 2024, despite lacking control over large parts of the country. Beijing has pledged technical support and aid for the census and election, reinforcing its controversial backing of the junta. Critics and activists argue that China’s stance hampers their democratic aspirations and endorses the military regime.

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Myanmar deports over 50,000 illegal foreigners

Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed the country’s commitment to collaborating with the international community to facilitate the safe return of Rohingyas…reports Asian lite News

Myanmar has deported over 50,000 illegal foreigners from October 2023 to August 2024, the state-run media reported on Wednesday.

During this period, a total of 54,433 individuals from 28 countries and regions were expelled following established procedures, the report said.

During an event to mark the 60th anniversary of Myanmar Police Force Day on Tuesday, the Chairman of Myanmar’s State Administration Council Min Aung Hlaing also said the establishment of a network of Border Liaison Offices with five neighbouring countries is intended to obtain information in advance and effectively combat cross-border crimes, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the state-run newspaper Mirror.

He also urged the holding of BLOs’ meetings to facilitate timely information sharing and exchange, the report added.

Earlier, Chief Advisor to the interim Bangladesh government, Muhammad Yunus, emphasised the need for Rohingyas to return to their homeland, Rakhine in Myanmar, with security and rights.

He also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to collaborating with the international community to facilitate the safe return of Rohingyas.

Yunus’ remarks came while he addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Friday.

He said, “There is a need to pave the way for the Rohingyas to return to their homeland – Rakhine – with adequate security and rights. Keeping in mind the ever-changing situation in Myanmar, Bangladesh is ready to work with the international community to create an environment for dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to their country.”

He added, “We have been entrusted with the task of rebuilding the country and returning to the state system that the people have longed for. Our main goal right now is to correct the mistakes of the past and build a competitive and strong economy and a just society.”

Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to safeguarding fundamental human rights, stressing the administration’s determination to protect the rights of all citizens. “We are determined to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of people. It is our mission that the people of our country will speak freely, assemble without fear, vote and elect the people of their choice,” he said.

He further said, “We are also committed to preserving the independence of the judiciary and consolidating the freedom of the media, including in the cyber domain.”

Reaffirming the country’s commitment to global cooperation, Yunus said that the government will continue active participation and contribution to multilateral structures, including the United Nations.

“Our government is determined to uphold all the international, regional and bilateral agreements that Bangladesh is a party to. Bangladesh will continue its active participation and contribution in multilateral global structures, including the United Nations. Bangladesh is interested in maintaining friendly relations with all countries of the world based on mutual respect, dignity and preservation of interests,” he said.

The Rohingyas, a mostly Muslim minority in Myanmar, have long been the focus of prejudice and interethnic conflict, according to Al Jazeera. The military crackdown in Myanmar in 2017, had notably forced the Rohingyas to flee.

After the crackdown by the Myanmar military, at least 7,50,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh. This crackdown is also the focus of a ‘genocide’ case at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

According to recent reports, thousands more Rohingyas had fled to Bangladesh in August from the Rakhine state in western Myanmar as combat between the military dictatorship and the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group that recruits among the majority Buddhist population, has escalated, as reported by Al Jazeera.

ALSO READ: Myanmar initiates nationwide census for 2024

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Myanmar initiates nationwide census for 2024

The census aimed to obtain accurate and up-to-date population and socioeconomic statistics for Myanmar…reports Asian Lite News

Myanmar has kicked off a nationwide population and household census across the country on Wednesday.

The report said census collection teams from the Ministry of Immigration and Population gathered population and household data across regions and states on Tuesday.

The census aimed to obtain accurate and up-to-date population and socioeconomic statistics for Myanmar, analyse demographic and socioeconomic changes over the past 10 years, and assist in the development of policies, strategies and tactics, as well as sectoral projects, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the state-run daily The Mirror.

Additionally, the census will provide essential indicators for the implementation of the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan and contribute to strengthening the national statistical system.

Myanmar last conducted a nationwide population and household census in 2014. While the 2014 census included 41 questions, the 2024 census featured 68 questions, with an additional 27 questions designed to collect more detailed data, the report said.

Meanwhile, in a recent UN report on the human rights crisis in Myanmar, it was revealed the devastating consequences of the military coup that took place on February 1, 2021, and said that since then, at least 5,350 civilians have lost their lives, over 3.3 million people have been displaced.

Notably, on February 1, 2021, the military junta seized power in a coup ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel laureate.

The UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in a report published on Tuesday on the human rights situation in Myanmar, detailed a range of serious violations that continue to underscore the deepening crisis and lack of rule of law throughout the country.

Since the coup on 1 February 2021, at least 5,350 civilians have been killed, more than 3.3 million displaced, and over half the population is living below the poverty line, primarily due to military violence, according to the report.

The report also documents the vast scope of detentions undertaken by the military. Nearly 27,400 individuals have been arrested since the coup, with arrests on the rise since the military’s implementation of mandatory conscription in February 2024.

Credible sources verified over 9,000 individuals as having been detained by the military — a third of the 26,933 persons, including 5,556 women and 547 children, taken into custody since February 2021. Nearly half of arrests during the reporting period occurred in Yangon, Mandalay and Sagaing. Arrests have particularly increased since the military announced the implementation of mandatory conscription in February 2024.

Citing credible sources, the report also said that at least 1,853 people have died in custody, including 88 children and 125 women. Many of these individuals have been verified as dying after being subjected to abusive interrogation, other ill-treatment in detention, or denial of access to adequate healthcare, the report said.

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6-Month Emergency Extension in Myanmar

Myanmar declared a state of emergency in February 2021 for one year before making five six-month extensions until July 31 this year…reports Asian Lite News

Myanmar’s National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) on Wednesday extended the state of emergency in the country for six more months, the state media reported.

At the NDSC’s meeting held in Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday, all NDSC members present agreed to extend the emergency period, Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) said.

The extension was made in accordance with Section 425 of the State Constitution, Xinhua news agency reported.

The meeting also discussed issues related to election preparations, current development work, preparations for the national population and housing census, and education, health and agricultural sectors.

Myanmar declared a state of emergency in February 2021 for one year before making five six-month extensions until July 31 this year.

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Mizoram Home Minister apologises to Myanmar refugees

K. Sapdanga made the apology for not being able to meet their all needs adequately, citing the state’s limited resources….reports Asian Lite News

Mizoram Home Minister K. Sapdanga has apologised to over 33,000 Myanmar refugees, sheltering in the state since February 2021, for not being able to meet their all needs adequately, citing the state’s limited resources. 

Addressing an event in Aizawl on Sunday night, he said that the people of Mizoram consider the refugees as brothers and sisters of the Mizos.

Sapdanga, who also holds the Disaster Management portfolio, recounted his first visit to the refugee camps along the Mizoram-Myanmar border and his interaction with the refugees.

He expressed his sadness at the troubles of those who had fled their homes along with the children and ailing persons.

“You have taken shelter in Mizoram, what we call ‘Jerusalem of all the Mizos’, as you have no other option. But we are trying to help, though our resources are limited,” he said.

The Minister appealed for cooperation from all sections of people, including the refugees, to deal with the drug menace in Mizoram, particularly among youths. He expressed hope that the ethnic Myanmar nationals would achieve the freedom they are fighting for.

Adviser to the Chief Minister (Political) Lalmuanpuia Punte urged unity among all Chin tribal ethnic groups in their fight to overthrow the military junta and restore democracy in Myanmar, particularly in the Chin state of the neighbouring country.

Over 33,000 Myanmarese took shelter in Mizoram in different phases after the military takeover there in February 2021.

Besides the Myanmar nationals, over 15,000 Bangladeshi tribals, belonging to the Bawm community, took shelter in Mizoram since November 2022. The Bangladeshi refugees from Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of southeast Bangladesh fled from their villages and sought refuge in Mizoram after an offensive by the Bangladeshi Army against the insurgent group Kuki-Chin National Army (KNA).

Around 10,000 people including women and children belonging to Kuki-Zomi tribes, have also taken shelter in Mizoram after the ethnic violence broke out in neighbouring Manipur in May last year.

The Kuki-Zomi-Chin tribes in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur share ethnic ties, and cultural and linguistic similarities with the Mizo people. Most refugees stay in rented accommodation and the homes of their relatives or friends, while others live in relief camps across the border state, which shares a 510-km-long unfenced border with Myanmar and 318 km with Bangladesh.

The present Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government and the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) government have sought financial assistance from the Centre for the relief and shelter of the Myanmar, Bangladeshi, and Manipur refugees.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Saturday discussed the Bangladeshi refugee issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and reportedly told him that the state government is reluctant to push back the refugees. An official of Mizoram Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said that the Chief Minister, during the meeting with the Prime Minister at his residence in New Delhi, apprised him that the Bangladeshi refugees, taking shelter in the state belong to the Bawm community, one of the ethnic Mizo tribes. Many more tribals from CHT of the same community are also trying to enter Mizoram, he told the Prime Minister.

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Floods Hit Myanmar

The affected residents have been moved to temporary shelters in 30 schools, churches, and monasteries across the region…reports Asian Lite News

Nearly 2,000 households in northern Myanmar’s Kachin State have been evacuated as the Ayeyarwady River overflowed above the danger mark due to heavy rains, according to the Kachin state government on Monday.

There have been no reported fatalities and ongoing rescue operations, a member from the Kachin stated government, reported Xinhua news agency.

The affected residents have been moved to temporary shelters in 30 schools, churches, and monasteries across the region, he said.

According to local media reports, more than 1,000 people are trapped in Myitkyina and Waingmaw townships due to heavy rains.

According to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology on Monday, the Ayeyarwady River overflowed about five feet above the danger mark in Myitkyina Township.

The river is expected to rise by another two feet in the next two days and remains above the Myitkyina Township’s danger mark.

ALSO READ: India urges early democratic transition in Myanmar

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India urges early democratic transition in Myanmar

The two ministers met on Wednesday as Myanmar minister Swe transited New Delhi….reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Than Swe and discussed India’s deep concern at the impact of continuing violence and instability in Myanmar on its border.

The two ministers met on Wednesday as Myanmar minister Swe transited New Delhi.

“Met with Deputy PM and FM of Myanmar U Than Shwe as he transited New Delhi today. Discussed our deep concern at the impact of continuing violence and instability in Myanmar on our border,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.

India is open to engaging all stakeholders in addressing this situation, Jaishankar stressed.

He further raised the issue of flagged illegal narcotics, arms smuggling and trafficking, terming them as “priority challenges”.

“Particularly flagged illegal narcotics, arms smuggling and trafficking in persons as priority challenges,” he said on X.

EAM urged an early return to democratic transition in Myanmar, emphasising that India stands ready to help in any manner.

“Sought cooperation for early return of Indian nationals trapped in Myawaddy. Pressed for credible security protection for our ongoing projects in the country. Urged early return to the path of democratic transition in Myanmar. India stands ready to help in any manner,” he stated.

Earlier this year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the government has decided to construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometre-long Indo-Myanmar border to facilitate better surveillance and ensure a patrol track along the border.

Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dedication to fortifying national borders, Amit Shah announced that the government has chosen to erect a fence along the entire India-Myanmar border.

“The Modi government is committed to building impenetrable borders.It has decided to construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border. To facilitate better surveillance, a patrol track along the border will also be paved,” Home Minister posted on X.

The 1,643-km-long India-Myanmar border, spanning Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, currently operates under the FMR, which permits individuals living near the India-Myanmar border to travel 16 km into each other’s territories without a visa. Initiated in 2018, the FMR policy was a component of India’s Act East policy.

As per FMR policy, those belonging to the hill tribes, being citizens of either India or Myanmar and residing within a 16 km radius on either side of the border, can cross with a border pass valid for one year, allowing a stay of up to two weeks per visit. (ANI)

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India Backs Myanmar’s Path to Inclusive Democracy at UN

Remaining deeply concerned over the situation, India once again stressed the need to arrive at peaceful solutions that are Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned….reports Asian Lite News

Asserting that it remains steadfast in its support for Myanmar’s transition towards an inclusive federal democracy, India on Tuesday reiterated that it supports the ASEAN-led efforts and the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus to resolve the precarious humanity and security situation in the neighbouring country.

“As an immediate neighbour and friend of the people of Myanmar, India has been repeatedly calling for an immediate cessation of violence by all sides, release of political detainees, humanitarian assistance and the resolution of the crisis through constructive dialogue,” said Kshitij Tyagi, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in Geneva.

The Indian diplomat was speaking at a session on the human rights situation in Myanmar on the first day of the 56th regular session of the Human Rights Council.

Remaining deeply concerned over the situation, India once again stressed the need to arrive at peaceful solutions that are Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned.

“Increased influx of people from Myanmar into our Northeastern states and the challenge of transnational crimes such as drug and human trafficking continue to remain an area of grave concern,” said the Indian First Secretary.

“We have always accorded a high priority to peace, stability, and development of Myanmar and have been making consistent efforts towards these objectives in the form of humanitarian assistance, people-centric projects, and building capacities in democratic systems and practices, including in the areas of constitutionalism and federalism in Myanmar,” he added.

In its statement, New Delhi also mentioned that it continues to coordinate closely with ASEAN on matters related to its policy on Myanmar’s transition towards inclusive democracy.

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Myanmar Grants Amnesty to 3,000 Prisoners for New Year


Included in the released group were 3,303 citizens of Myanmar and 36 individuals from other countries, comprising 13 Indonesians and 15 Sri Lankans….reports Asian Lite news

Myanmar’s State Administration Council granted amnesty to more than 3,000 prisoners on Wednesday, the first day of the traditional Myanmar New Year.

Among them were 3,303 Myanmar nationals and 36 foreign prisoners, including 13 Indonesian nationals and 15 Sri Lankan nationals, the council said as quoted by Xinhua news agency report.

The amnesty is to mark Myanmar’s traditional New Year’s Day, bringing joy to the people and looking forward to positive relations with respective countries, while addressing humanitarian concerns, it added.

In a separate pardon order, the council reduced the sentences by one-sixth for some prisoners jailed across the Southeast Asian country.

It’s a customary practice for Myanmar to pardon prisoners annually to celebrate its traditional new year.

Last year, more than 3,000 prisoners were released on Myanmar’s traditional New Year’s Day.

ALSO READ: India Urges Immediate Evacuation from Myanmar’s Rakhine State

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India Urges Immediate Evacuation from Myanmar’s Rakhine State

The MEA spokesperson said that there is a lot of fighting happening there, underscoring that the security situation is not conducive at all in Rakhine State….reports Asian Lite News

Amid the deteriorating security situation in the Rakhine state of Myanmar, the Ministry of External Affairs said that it has told all the Indians to evacuate and move away from there.

“We had issued an advisory for the Rakhine State, where the situation there is very delicate, the security situation has deteriorated. We told all Indian nationals to evacuate themselves and move away from there and we also told our nationals who are there or otherwise from anywhere else not to travel to that part,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a media briefing on Friday.

“The situation in Myanmar remains a cause of concern because of the deterioration in the security situation,” he said.

The MEA spokesperson said that there is a lot of fighting happening there, underscoring that the security situation is not conducive at all in Rakhine State.

Asserting that India wants peace and stability in Myanmar, Jaiswal asserted by saying, “There is a lot of fighting happening there, and the security situation is not conducive, but we call upon all sides.”

“We want peace and stability in the country, we want constructive dialogue in the country, and we want inclusive federal democracy to be established through dialogue and through constructive engagement…” he went on to say.

In February, India issued an advisory for Indian citizens, advising them not to travel to the Rakhine state of Myanmar amid a deteriorating security situation.

The Ministry of External Affairs cited the deteriorating security situation, disruption of means of telecommunications, including landlines, and severe scarcity of essential commodities in Rakhine State.

“In view of the deteriorating security situation, disruption of means of telecommunications, including landlines, and severe scarcity of essential commodities, all Indian citizens are advised not to travel to the Rakhine State of Myanmar,” the MEA advisory had stated.

It also advised the Indian citizens who are in Rakhine State to leave the state immediately.

Notably, a fresh uptick was noticed in incidents of violence in Myanmar recently. This came after three ethnic minority forces launched a coordinated offensive last October, capturing some towns and military posts. The experts called it the ‘biggest test’ for junta since taking power in 2021.

This also led to a huge influx of people from Myanmar into the state of Mizoram along the Indo-Myanmar border after the Myanmar army launched airstrikes in the bordering areas.

Myanmar marked the third anniversary of the military coup on February 1, where the military seized power in a coup three years ago. (ANI)

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