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India ,Myanmar 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday that the Indian embassy is actively monitoring the security situation in Myanmar, particularly in the Rakhine state and other areas where ongoing fighting persists. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the precarious and deteriorating nature of the situation, highlighting recent conflicts in Rakhine and surrounding regions.

Jaiswal noted that a prior advisory had been issued to Indian nationals, urging them to exercise caution. The MEA aims to ensure the safety of Indian citizens in Myanmar by advising them to adhere to proper safety protocols while traveling and staying there. The embassy, according to Jaiswal, is committed to providing necessary assistance and support to Indians in Myanmar.

In response to the volatile conditions, the Indian Embassy has relocated its staff from the Sittwe Consulate to Yangon, with the Consulate in Mandalay remaining operational.

Addressing concerns over reports of three boys from Uttar Pradesh allegedly being abducted in Myanmar, Jaiswal assured that the embassy is actively engaged in resolving the matter and facilitating their safe return to India.

The recent escalation in violence in Myanmar was underscored by the withdrawal of approximately 200 Myanmar soldiers to the Friendship bridge near the border town of Myawaddy, amidst intensified attacks by anti-junta resistance forces. The Karen National Union (KNU), responsible for the offensive in Myawaddy, claimed to have routed the town's primary military force and shared images of captured weaponry.

The surge in violence follows a coordinated offensive by three ethnic minority forces last October, which posed a significant challenge to the ruling junta since its seizure of power in February 2021. This unrest has also prompted an influx of refugees into Mizoram, along the Indo-Myanmar border, in response to airstrikes by the Myanmar army in border areas.

As Myanmar commemorated the third anniversary of the military coup on February 1, the junta continues to face mounting pressure and resistance from various ethnic groups and anti-coup demonstrators.

In conclusion, the situation in Myanmar remains volatile, with escalating violence prompting concerns for the safety and security of Indian nationals and others residing or traveling in the region. The Indian Embassy continues to actively monitor developments and provide assistance to ensure the well-being of its citizens amidst the ongoing turmoil.