00:00 A travel advisory has been issued by the Indian government urging its citizens to avoid travelling
00:07 to Myanmar's Rakhine state amid escalating violence and security concerns.
00:13 This comes as Myanmar continues to grapple with unrest following a military coup in February
00:19 of 2021.
00:20 In its first advisory since the surge in violence, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs or
00:26 MEA highlighted the deteriorating conditions, disruptions in telecommunications, including
00:32 landlines and the severe scarcity of essential commodities in the Rakhine state.
00:37 The advisory warns all Indian citizens to refrain from travelling to Rakhine and strongly
00:43 advises those already present to leave immediately.
00:46 This move reflects growing concerns over the safety of individuals amid ongoing hostilities
00:52 between armed ethnic groups and the Myanmar military.
00:56 Myanmar has been witnessing widespread violent protests demanding the restoration of democracy
01:01 since the military coup on February 1, 2021.
01:05 The Rakhine state, along with several other regions, has experienced intense fighting,
01:11 raising alarm not only within Myanmar but also in neighbouring countries like India.
01:16 Last week, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed India's concern
01:22 over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar.
01:25 He said that as a neighbouring country and a friend of Myanmar, India has long been advocating
01:30 for a complete cessation of violence and Myanmar's transition towards inclusive federal democracy.
01:36 The strategic proximity of Myanmar as one of India's neighbours, sharing a 1,640-kilometre
01:42 border with several north-eastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur, raises
01:48 apprehensions about the potential security ramifications.
01:52 The Myanmar military's use of airstrikes against opponents and armed groups further
01:57 intensifies concerns, prompting the Indian government to take proactive measures to safeguard
02:02 its citizens.
02:04 As the situation in Myanmar remains fluid, the Indian government emphasises the importance
02:08 of heeding the travel advisory to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
02:13 -
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