PM hopes for early solution to issues over ethnic clashes in Myanmar

Naypyidaw, Myanmar, Sept 6 Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed hope that Myanmar Government would be able to bring peace and resolve the tension with Rohingya community and resolve the situation in violence-hit Rakhine state by working with "all stakeholders". "Due to extremist violence in Rakhine State, we understand your concerns especially about the security forces and the loss of innocent life," Prime Minister Modi told Myanmar State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi during a joint media conference. "Whether it is a big peace process or a matter of resolving a specific issue, we hope that all the stakeholders can work together to resolve such a situation, while respecting Myanmar's unity and geographical integrity, will ensure peace, justice and respect for all," he said. There have been reports of migration of Rohingya, a minority Muslim community settled in the Rakhine State of Myanmar, after violent ethnic clashes. The Government of India yesterday said that the Rohingyas are "illegal immigrants" and the process of law envisages that they need to be deported. "No body should teach India about human rights and the protection of refugees and illegal immigrants," the Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju has told reporters here. A plea before the Supreme Court of India filed by two Rohingya immigrants, Mohammad Salimullah and Mohammad Shaqir, have maintained that the "proposed deportation" by Indian government is contrary to the provisions of Constitution of India. The case in the apex court would again come up on September 11. Prime Minister Modi also said that: "It is important that we work together to maintain security and stability on our long land and sea borders. Our efforts to build roads and bridges, links to energy, and connectivity point to a good future". In Kaladan project, Mr Modi said Sittwe port and Paletwa Inland Waterways Terminal have been completed. "Work on the road component has started. To meet the needs of Upper Myanmar, the high speed diesel trucks from India have started coming". Over the years, Myanmar's growing proximity with China has been a matter of concern but lately successful efforts have been made to bring about qualitative improvement in bilateral relations between India and Myanmar. UNI