India Calls For Cessation Of Violence Through Talks As Myanmar Refugees Troop Into Mizoram

A fresh airstrike by the Myanmar army in the bordering areas along the Indo-Myanmar border has forced close to 5,000 people to enter Mizoram.

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi at a weekly press briefing in New Delhi on Thursday raised concerns over fighting between Myanmar's military and anti-junta groups near the Indo-Myanmar border, and urged for a resolution of the situation through constructive dialogue. 

"We are deeply concerned with such incidents close to our border. Our position on the ongoing situation in Myanmar is very clear. We want secession of the violence and restitution situation or resolution of the situation through constructive dialogue. We reiterate our call for the return of peace, stability, and democracy in Myanmar," said Bagchi.

A fresh airstrike by the Myanmar army in the bordering areas along the Indo-Myanmar border has forced close to 5,000 people to enter Champhai district of Mizoram as refugees, reported news agency ANI.

There are around 160 families from Myanmar now residing in Lipui in the Zokhawthar area. 

During the briefing, Bagchi also spoke about extending consular assistance to the Indian national sentenced to death in Yemen and her mercy plea being rejected by the apex court in Sanaa.

"On the issue of the Indian national in Yemen, we've been following this case, of course, and we are aware of the recent development that you alluded to. We are extending consular assistance. But since it's a legal issue there as well...I would not like to comment on those steps. But certainly, we are in touch," he said.

"We are extending whatever consular assistance we can. But do understand that this is a legal process in their country too. And we will see in whatever way we can continue with this process," Bagchi added.

India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was another issue that the MEA spokesperson talked about.

He said FTA was discussed during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar's meeting with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on his recent visit to the country.

"The EAM discussed the FTA with the UK PM and the newly sworn-in foreign secretary. There are discussions going on. But if you want to know the exact status of negotiations, I would refer you to the trade negotiators," said Bagchi.

He further said, "Both India and UK are engaged on this important issue to see if we can find, a solution or reach a final stage."