Handle situation in Rakhine state with maturity: India to Myanmar

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday said they are deeply concerned by the troubling situation in Burma's northern Rakhine State.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Myanmar had expressed his concern at the casualties of security forces as well as other innocent lives. It was agreed that India will provide assistance under Rakhine State Development Programme in conjunction with Myanmar government, a statement from MEA said.

"India urge that situation in Rakhine be handled with restraint and maturity, focusing on welfare of civilians alongside those of security forces: It is imperative that violence is ended and normalcy in the Rakhine state restored expeditiously," it said.

India offered the assistance under the Rakhine State Development Programme and the two sides agreed "to finalise the implementation modalities within the next few months".

About 164,000 new Rohingya people from the state have entered Bangladesh since the latest violence began on Aug 25.

During his visit, Modi held bilateral talks with the Myanmar delegation led by State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

The situation in the Rakhine State featured prominently in the discussions during the visit. Modi shared India's concerns on the increasingly serious situation in the Rakhine State. Both the sides shared the view that the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on the Rakhine state led by Kofi Annan needed to be implemented.

The problem leading to the refugee crisis has a long term implication, including for India.

OneIndia News