NUCC calls on India for ‘principled engagement’ in support of the Myanmar people

Mizzima

The National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) has called for in a letter on the Indian government for “principled engagement in support of the people of Myanmar.

In a letter addressed to Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, and Mr. Abhay Thakur, Ambassador of India to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and dated 9 June, the NUCC has the following to say:

Subject: Appeal to India for Principled Engagement in Support of the People of Myanmar

Excellency, Myanmar and India are long-standing and mutually respectful neighbours, bound by ancient civilizational ties, shared religious and cultural heritage, and a common border of more than1,600 kilometres.

At this critical moment, as the people of Myanmar continue their determined struggle for democracy and human rights, the position taken by India, the world’s largest democracy, will be remembered as an important historical marker shaping the future of people-to-people relations between the two countries.

At a time when the international community, including ASEAN and the United Nations, has consistently refused to confer international legitimacy on Min Aung Hlaing and other military leaders responsible for the continuing atrocities against the people of Myanmar, the NUCC respectfully urges India to avoid any high-level engagement that could be perceived as recognising or legitimising the military regime. Such a principled approach would further demonstrate India’s respect for international norms, democratic values, and the will of the people of Myanmar.

The National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) respectfully urges the Government of India and its policymakers to seriously reflect on any forms of engagement, assistance, or transfer of materials that may directly or indirectly strengthen the military junta’s capacity to target innocent civilians in Myanmar. Should there be any such channels exist, including those involving military-related equipment, technology, raw materials, or dual-use items, the NUCC respectfully encourages India to review them carefully and take appropriate steps to ensure that no support from India that could contribute, directly or indirectly, to actions resulting in further harm against civilians. Such a review would be consistent with India’s democratic values, humanitarian principles, and longstanding friendship with the people of Myanmar.

The military junta is no longer capable of exercising effective control over large parts of Myanmar, including areas along the India–Myanmar border. It is rapidly losing ground militarily, economically, politically, and in terms of legitimacy.

The NUCC fully understands India’s legitimate concerns regarding border security, the prevention of transnational crimes, regional stability, and the protection of its strategic interests. In this regard, the NUCC respectfully expresses, in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect, that the time has come for India to broaden its engagement with the National Unity Government (NUG), ethnic revolutionary forces, and other democratic forces that enjoy the recognition and support of the people of Myanmar and exercise effective influence on the ground.

Such engagement is important not only for the democratic aspirations of the people of Myanmar but also for India’s own long-term strategic interests, including border security, the prevention of transnational crimes, regional stability, and the sustainability of strategic investments such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.

The NUCC, therefore, respectfully encourages India to stand with the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of democracy, federalism, human rights, and lasting peace, in keeping with India’s democratic traditions and its historic friendship with the people of Myanmar. The NUCC stands ready to engage with the Government of India and its policy makers and would welcome the opportunity to further exchange views and dialogue on issues of mutual concern and interest.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration.

National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC)