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| Extreme panic on India-Myanmar border: 10 rebels killed in Indian army firing, breaking unwritten agreement |
Dhaka, June 4, 2025 – Extreme panic has spread along the India-Myanmar border. Residents of Tamu district in Myanmar, who live in the Indian border area, are now living in extreme fear. The main reason for this panic is the recovery of the bodies of 10 Myanmar citizens (three of whom are teenagers) in firing by the Indian army. This incident is said to have broken a long-standing 'unwritten agreement' between the border guards of the two countries, which has created new tensions in the region.
Various international media outlets reported this news on Tuesday (June 3). It is claimed that all the deceased are members of the Pa Ka Pha (PKP), part of the People's Defense Forces (PDF), an armed group allied to the pro-democracy unity government (National Unity Government - NUG) of Myanmar. These 10 people were killed in an operation by the Indian army on May 14.
Panic about what?
Breaking the unwritten agreement: Since the 2021 military coup, there has been a kind of tacit agreement along India's 1,643-km border with Myanmar. Myanmar rebel groups often went into hiding on Indian soil and Indian forces did not take any direct action against them. But after this killing, that balance has completely broken down, creating terrible uncertainty in the border area.
Counter-allegations and mistrust: Myanmar's government-in-exile (NUG) has counter-alleged that the rebels were not killed in an exchange of fire on Indian soil. Rather, they were tortured and shot dead after being captured. This allegation raises questions about the neutrality of Indian forces and further increases mistrust between the two sides.
Refugee fears: Thousands of Myanmar refugees, who have taken refuge in India's northeastern states, are now worried about their safety. They fear that the border situation will become more complicated after this killing and they may be in danger.
Ethnic conflict in Manipur: The state of Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence for the past two years, with intense clashes between the Meiti and Kuki-Jo communities. There are allegations that fighters from Myanmar are joining the Kukis, which is further escalating the situation. It is feared that the killings may also affect the conflict in Manipur.
Preparations for barbed wire fencing: The Indian government is preparing to erect barbed wire fencing along the entire India-Myanmar border. This will restrict the movement of residents of the border area under the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which has caused resentment among the local population.
Since the military coup in Myanmar, there has been renewed concern about the security of India's eastern border. Illegal infiltration, drug and arms smuggling, and the activities of various armed groups have destabilized the region. In such a situation, analysts believe that this move by the Indian army will further complicate the regional security situation.
