Border clashes increase tensions with Bangladesh

Border clashes increase tensions with Bangladesh

Published on Monday, 02 June 2014 18:39

Recent clashes on the Myanmar - Bangladeshi border have increased diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours after a Bangladeshi border guard was detained, according to official sources. 

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry summoned Myanmar ambassador Myo Myint Than to protest a gunfight that occurred on May 28 and requested the immediate release of one of their border guards. 

The Director of the President's Office, Zaw Htay claimed in Myanmar's defence that border guards were stopping an incursion by known militants. 

"Our border guard force has never committed a mistake in the incident. They assumed that insurgents from the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) were trying to intrude into our country," said Zaw Htay.

Myanmar border police claim that armed men in camouflage approached the Myanmar border on May 28 near the 52nd mile post when a clash broke out killing one.

Myanmar handed over the body of the one killed to Bangladeshi authorities on May 31. It is unclear if those men were from the Bangladeshi Border Force (BGB) or were insurgents that Myanmar claims have being given sanctuary across the border. 

After the clash a Bangladeshi border guard was also detained sparking the diplomatic row. The situation along Myanmar-Bangladesh border remains tense despite border forces from both sides meeting to discuss security concerns on May 21.

During the meeting, Myanmar's commander told Bangladeshi officers to arrest terrorists for the sake of the mutual friendship between the two countries. He added that the Tamadaw [armed forces] would not hesitate to act if skirmishes occurred again along the border. 

The government also claims that four Myanmar border guards were dead and an officer was wounded in various clashes throughout May. 

Bangladesh in turn has repeatedly denied harbouring militants linked to the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO), an organisation that has never had any armed presence inside Myanmar.   

However, the Bangladeshi media have reported Bangladesh reinforcing its border guard following the incident.  

Territorial disputes have existed between Myanmar and Bangladesh in the past, especially over disputes over St. Martin's Island, known in Myanmar as Ohn Island. 

The island belongs to Bangladesh according to a decision of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.

Both countries have frequently put troops on high alert, the last time in February 2014 when the Bangladeshi navy announced that it was doing military exercises in the area. 

Information remains scarce regarding the recent border tensions, as no independent media is allowed access to the area and rumours and threats abound on government and social media. 

The Facebook page of the Myanmar Defence Weapon showed the photos of recent naval military exercises, fuelling speculation and rumours of further confrontations. 

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2014/06/02/border-clashes-increase-tensions-with-bangladesh/