Concerned About Increasing Violence In Myanmar, UN Security Council Urges Fighting To End

Illustration of the security forces of the Myanmar military regime. (Twitter/@yoonmay111)

JAKARTA - The United Nations Security Council expressed deep concern Wednesday at the escalating violence across Myanmar, in a statement approved by the 15-member council, calling for an immediate end to the fighting, calling on the military regime to exercise complete restraint.

There have been reports of a buildup of heavy weapons and troops in Chin State, suggesting an imminent army offensive to oust the militia groups, which were formed after the military toppled Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in a coup on February 1.

"Security Council members expressed deep concern over the recent further violence across Myanmar. They called for an immediate cessation of violence and to ensure the safety of civilians", said the statement, citing Reuters November 11.

Myanmar's military regime has not commented on the situation in Chin State, a volatile border region that has been at the forefront of resistance to military rule.

Myanmar has been crippled by protests and violence since the coup, with the military regime struggling to rule and facing armed resistance from ethnic minority militias and insurgents, who have allied with a shadow government that the regime calls terrorists.

"Members of the Security Council, reiterated their deep concern at developments in Myanmar, following the declaration of a state of emergency imposed on February 1 and their call on the military to exercise complete restraint", said the statement, drafted by the British.

"They encourage dialogue and reconciliation by the wishes and interests of the Myanmar people", the statement said.

The Council also calls for full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to all persons in need and the protection, safety, and security of humanitarian and medical personnel.

The Myanmar Coup. VOI editors continue to monitor the political situation in one of the ASEAN member countries. Civilian casualties continue to fall. Readers can follow news about the Myanmar military coup by tapping this link.