In a significant development concerning India's eastern neighbour, a coalition of Myanmar's ethnic organisations and revolutionary groups has jointly called upon the Indian government to refuse recognition of the upcoming election orchestrated by the ruling military junta. This appeal comes alongside a positive educational initiative, as Mizoram University formalises an agreement to provide academic sanctuary to students from the strife-torn nation.
Joint Appeal to India: A Plea for Democratic Solidarity
The collective appeal was articulated in an open letter published on December 13, as highlighted in a press statement from the advocacy group 'India for Myanmar'. The letter represents the unified voice of 113 anti-coup revolutionary organisations alongside various ethnic bodies from Myanmar.
These organisations argue that the military junta is attempting to conduct, or forcefully conduct, elections only in select areas under the control of the Myanmar Army. They have made a direct plea to both the Indian government and Parliament, urging them not to grant any legitimacy to this electoral process.
Furthermore, they have requested that India send official observers to Myanmar during the election period. The objective of such a move would be to ensure that the junta's aim of claiming legitimacy through a coercive and imposed election is decisively defeated. The overarching appeal is for India to take concrete steps to assist in restoring true democracy and permanent freedom for the people of Myanmar.
Mizoram University Extends an Academic Lifeline
In a parallel and hopeful development, the Institute of Chin Affairs (ICA) and Mizoram University have strengthened their academic partnership. Leaders from the ICA confirmed that a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed to facilitate higher education for students from Myanmar in Mizoram.
This agreement builds upon a previous two-year MoU signed in 2023. The new, more extensive five-year MoU was formalised recently. The signing ceremony saw Prof. Dibakar Chandra Deka, the Vice-Chancellor of Mizoram University, and Mai Lucy Mawi, the Deputy Executive Director of ICA, ink the document.
The event was witnessed by Dr B Lalzarliana, coordinator of the Burmese Language Course at the university, and Salai Za Lian Pum, humanitarian coordinator at the ICA.
Scope of the Educational Agreement
The MoU has a broad and impactful scope. It envisages the inclusion of a diploma course in the Burmese language, as well as opportunities for master's programmes, postgraduate studies, and dedicated research facilities for students from Myanmar.
Explaining the primary motive, Salai Van Sui San of the ICA stated, "Our main objective is to help Chin youths have access to higher education." He revealed that alongside the master's programme, initiatives are underway to establish a Chin Research Centre. In a promising start, five research fellows have already completed their courses under this collaborative framework.
These twin narratives from Aizawl present a complex picture: one of political urgency, where Myanmar's pro-democracy forces seek India's diplomatic intervention, and another of humanitarian and educational outreach, where institutions in Mizoram are actively creating avenues for hope and capacity-building for Myanmar's youth. The developments underscore India's nuanced role and the deep cross-border ethnic connections in the region.
