NUSA DUA: India has refused to be a part of a declaration adopted at an international conference in Bali, Indonesia, as it carried “inappropriate” reference to violence in Rakhine state, from where 125,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh. In a show of solidarity with Myanmar, an Indian parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Lok Sabha Sumitra Mahajan, dissociated itself from the 'Bali Declaration' adopted at the World Parliamentary Forum on Sustainable Development.
A press release issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat read, “This was in view of the fact that the declaration, which was to be adopted at the conclusion of the Forum, was not in line with the agreed global principles of 'sustainable development'. Therefore, the proposed reference to the violence in Rakhine state in the declaration was considered as not consensus-based and inappropriate.” India reiterated its stance that the purpose of convening the Parliamentary forum was to arrive at mutual consensus for implementation of SDGs (sustainable development goals) which requires inclusive and broad-based development processes.
India objected to the part of the declaration that spoke of the forum expressing “deep concern on ongoing violence in the Rakhine State of Myanmar, amongst others...” It went on to “call on all parties to contribute to the restoration of stability and security, exercise maximum self-restraint from using violent means, respect the human rights of all people in Rakhine State regardless of their faith and ethnicity, as well as facilitate and guarantee safe access for humanitarian assistance.”
The Indian stance came the same day when Prime Minister Narendra concluded his visit to Myanmar where he expressed solidarity with the government there against the “extremist violence” in the Rakhine state. Modi said India empathises with its concern over “extremist violence”. “Whether it is the larger peace process or finding a solution to a special issue, we hope that all stakeholders can work together towards finding a solution while respecting the unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar to ensure peace, justice and dignity for all,” Modi said during his visit to the country.
“We fully appreciate the challenges you have been battling. We share your concern over the extremist violence in Rakhine state which has caused the loss of lives especially of security forces and innocents,” he said. Modi's visit to Myanmar came at a time when the Nobel laureate Suu Kyi's government faces international pressure over military atrocities on Rohingya Muslims.
A joint statement issued at the end of Modi's visit to Myanmar and his talks with Suu Kyi said India would help to “bring about overall socio-economic development in the state by undertaking both infrastructure and socio-economic projects.” While Modi supported the Myanmar government in its efforts to contain extremist violence, India also impressed upon the need for Rakhine's economic development in the context of security.
