Ahead of Modi’s visit, India rallies to Myanmar’s support in wake of Rohingya violence

With Rohingya militants targeting Myanmarese security forces, India has voiced “serious concerns,” and rallied to the support of the Myanmarese government at this “challenging moment”. New Delhi’s expression of support came as 89 people, including a dozen security forces, were killed as Rohingya militants targeted border posts in northern Rakhine State. The Rohingya issue is expected to figure in discussions between the two sides during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Myanmar next month. “India is seriously concerned by reports of renewed violence and attacks by terrorists in northern Rakhine State of Myanmar. We are deeply saddened at the loss of lives among members of the Myanmar security forces,” said Ravessh Kumat, spokesperson of India’s external affairs ministry. “Such attacks deserve to be condemned in the strongest possible terms. We hope that the perpetrators of these crimes will be brought to justice and we extend our strong support at this challenging moment to the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar,” Mr Kumar said in New Delhi. Rakhine state plunged into a spell og violence after Rohingya Muslims belonging to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) attacked 30 outposts in Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and Rathedaung townships.