India terms social media reports about its role in deliberations on Myanmar in UNSC as 'mischievous'

2,000 people have been arrested and at least 60 protesters have been killed since the Myanmar military takeover

India has been slammed on social media for allegedly joining China, Russia and Vietnam in an attempt to soften a statement by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the military coup in Myanmar.

Also read: India says it has direct stakes in maintenance of peace and stability in Myanmar

New Delhi, however, dismissed reports about its bid to make the Security Council avoid condemning the military junta for taking over power in Myanmar. “We have seen reports on social media about India’s role in deliberations on Myanmar in the UNSC. These reports are mischievous and biased,” the Embassy of India in Yangon posted on Twitter.

The Security Council on Tuesday discussed a proposed statement drafted by the United Kingdom, warning the Myanmar Army of “further measures” by the council and nudging it to exercise restraint, apart from releasing the deposed State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders and activists of her party, National League for Democracy (NLD), from detention.

The UNSC, however, could not reach a consensus, as Vietnam and India, both non-permanent members of the council at present, purportedly joined the two permanent members, China and Russia, to seek amendments to the draft.

Also read: UN Security Council wrestles with threat of action over Myanmar coup

India, China, Russia and Vietnam reportedly sought softening or removal of paragraphs condemning the military junta for the coup as well as for its crackdown on protesters, agitating against its takeover of power.

“The people of #Burma should know that when it comes to UN Security Council inaction on #Myanmar's military coup, these are the villains stopping any action – Russia, China, India, & Vietnam,” Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia Director of the Human Rights Watch, posted on Twitter.

Also read: Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga promises food and shelter for Myanmar refugees

Several Myanmarese Twitter user reacted to the media reports on India joining China, Russia, Vietnam in bid to soften the UNSC statement.

“Dear India, please stand for the Justice. Don't be friend with the Terrorists who are killing innocent people with no reason. The whole world can see it,” posted “Soe Soe Yee” using the handle @SoeSoeYer1. “We never thought that you are the one of them,” read another post from @YeeMon02744563.

“Don’t you feel ashamed for standing with the terrorist! We’re unarmed against the ruthless terrorist military and we’re defenseless! We need to be protected by the international community. You have collective responsibility towards the Myanmar civilians! Not towards the junta!” posted another using the handle @852_ash.

New Delhi, however, sought to dismiss the speculation about its stand on the issue.

Also read: From land of promise to pariah state: Myanmar coup rattles foreign firms

“(The) UNSC is seized of the matter and let us wait for the outcome. India’s position on the issue is well-known and has been clearly articulated,” the Embassy of India posted on Twitter.

Meanwhile, V Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs, informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply to a question that India would closely monitor the situation in Myanmar and remain in discussion with the international community on the issue, including at the UNSC.

“India has supported socio-economic development in Myanmar and facilitated the process of democratic transition in the country,” Muraleedharan informed the Lok Sabha.

“The recent developments in Myanmar are therefore of deep concern. India has urged that the rule of law and democratic process be upheld and called upon the Myanmar leadership to work together to resolve their differences in a peaceful and constructive manner.”