India relocates consulate staff in Myanmar, issues travel warning

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) warned on Friday that Indians travel to violence-hit Myanmar, Said they should follow proper safety protocols. India has also transferred staff from its consulate in Sittwe, Myanmar.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a weekly media briefing, The situation in Myanmar remains unstable and deteriorating.

“Indians traveling to Myanmar should follow appropriate safety protocols and take care of themselves, and the embassy will be there to take care of them,” Jaiswal said.

“The security situation in Myanmar remains unstable and deteriorating. You heard about the fighting that is taking place, especially in Rakhine State and other areas. Not long ago, we issued a warning to our nationals so that they can take due caution Attitude,” he further said.

India has temporarily transferred staff from its consulate in Sittwe to Yangon in light of fighting in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, the MEA said. However, the consulate in Mandalay remains fully operational.

The Southeast Asian country descended into chaos in February 2021 after the army overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering widespread armed resistance across the country.

Recently, relentless attacks by anti-coup forces forced around 200 Myanmar troops to withdraw to the Friendship Bridge, which connects the border town of Myawaddy with Thailand.

Anti-junta forces announced they had taken control of the key border town of Myawaddy.

“Today, joint resistance forces led by the Karen National Union captured the remaining military base in Myawaddy,” Myanmar National Unity Government spokesman Kyaw Zaw told Reuters.

The Government of National Accord is a shadow government made up of ousted lawmakers and anti-junta groups.

The military has lost control of Myanmar’s border areas with India, China and Bangladesh. Its manpower has also been depleted.

At least 2,000 people have been displaced across Myanmar due to the latest round of fighting between rebels and the military.