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India on Wednesday handed over 200,000 USD to U Hla Maung Tin, the Chief Minister of Myanmar’s Rakhine State for providing relief to refugees affected by recent disturbances. Indian Ambassador to Myanmar , Dr. Villur Sundararajan Seshadri, handed over a cheque for the above amount, which will be used for providing relief to Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims living in refugee camps in the Burmese state. Representatives of Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims, in turn, received the amount in the presence of the Lt. General Thein Htay, Myanmar ’s Minister for Border Affairs and Industrial Development. Ambassador Seshadri conveyed the sympathy and support of the Indian Government and the people of India . “ India hopes that the assistance will help in bringing quicker relief and in contributing towards peace and harmony,” he said. Meanwhile, the Myanmar Government has set up a 27-member investigation commission comprising of people from different walks of life, including members of different religious faiths and political parties, to enquire into the real cause for the incidents and to make recommendations. India has welcomed the move. On the occasion, Dr. Seshadri said the Government of Myanmar has demonstrated a willingness to cooperate with the international community, including under the UN auspices, to extend relief and rehabilitation measures to the victims. He said that such positive steps will help support Myanmar ’s ongoing process of democratization and reform. He said India stands ready to assist the government and the people of Myanmar in this endeavor. The amount that India contributed would be utilized for procurement and distribution of roofing sheets for the affected people. Minister Htay told ANI: “We have to build 800 semi permanent buildings for the victims, and for that, we need to purchase roofing sheets, and this (aid from India ) will be of great help.” Praising India , Minister Htay further said: “First, we get the sympathy, second the physical help, and so, we feel this reflects good neighborly ties”. The ambassador and the minister visited refugee camps in the Sittwe area, where they met people affected by the recent riots. Moe Win Aung, a social worker, said he would like to thank the Indian Government for the assistance provided to Myanmar . “This shows India as a good country in the neighborhood, and this (amount) would be very helpful for the rehabilitation of the affected people, Aung said. He also expressed hope about normalcy being restored in the state.

India hands over USD US$200K as relief for Rakhine refugees