Why in News ?
Elections are underway in Myanmar (three-phase polling from Dec 28, 2025 to Jan 2026), and rebel groups from the Karen and Arakan/Rakhine regions have expressed dissatisfaction with India’s response, urging stronger pressure on the junta for an inclusive process.
Relevance
GS-II | International Relations — Neighbourhood First
- India–Myanmar relations, border security, refugee flows, democratic processes.
- China factor, ethnic armed groups, diplomatic signalling.
Where are Karen & Arakan (Rakhine) Regions?
- Karen (Kayin) State
- Location: Southeastern Myanmar, bordering Thailand; mountainous–forest terrain.
- People: Predominantly Karen ethnic minority.
- Capital: Hpa-An.
- Arakan / Rakhine State
- Location: Western Myanmar, along the Bay of Bengal, bordering Bangladesh.
- Capital: Sittwe.
- Known for ethnic contestations, including Rakhine groups and Rohingya communities.
