New Delhi: In a cautiously-worded statement, India called for a cessation of violence “by all sides” after the Myanmar government said that it had carried out an air strike on a village which, as per reports, killed up to 100 people.In one of the most lethal attacks since the February 2021 coup, Myanmar Junta carried out an airstrike at Kanbalu township, during the opening of a local office of the opposition’s National United Government (NUG).As per BBC, survivors have collected at least 80 bodies, but expect the toll to rise further. The New York Times reported that 30 children had died in the strikes.Myanmar military spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday night that the attack was carried out to target the armed People’s Defence Force. He added that if any civilians had been killed, it was because they were being “forced” to support the militia group.At the weekly media briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India has noted the “disturbing reports of violence on April 11 near Kanbalu township near Sagaing region of Myanmar”.“As a neighbour and friend of the people of Myanmar, we have repeatedly called for cessation of violence by all sides and peaceful resolution of all issues. India reiterates its call for a return of peace, stability and democracy in Myanmar,” he said.India’s statement is in line with its previous stance of not explicitly criticising the Junta government, even as it called for a return to democracy.Also read: No End in Sight: The Continuing Conflict in Myanmar Two Years After Military CoupNew Delhi had backed ASEAN’s ‘five point consensus’, but the regional group’s initiative has remained stalled largely due to the non-implementation of commitments by the Junta.“This would be the only way to create a conducive environment for an inclusive national dialogue to find a sustainable peaceful solution in Myanmar,” said the statement.India’s engagement with Myanmar is also driven by its concern about Nay Pyi Taw’s close ties with China.According to Reuters, China and Russia blocked the UN Security Council from issuing a statement condemning the air strike on Wednesday. The Council is scheduled to hold a closed-door meeting on Myanmar based on a request from the UK.
