New Delhi: Indian media is full of stories on how Indian army entered Myanmar to eliminate the Naga militants who ambushed and killed 18 Indian soldiers last week. It is being hailed as a very daring step by the Narendra Modi government. The fans of Prime Minister Modi are even describing it as the most courageous act by him. Some are even hinting that India might do the same to Pakistan if it does not stop cross border terrorism.
However the Myanmar’s media is almost silent on the operations by Indian armed forces on its soil. Newspapers and websites in both Burmese and English languages have mostly ignored the operation.
The leading daily ‘Myanmar Times’ has completely ignored the news. Another leading newspaper ‘The Irrawaddy’ has carried an Associated Press (AP) report filed by its New Delhi based correspondent. It gives no version of the Burmese government or local experts.
Another leading website Myanmar.com has also carried an agency report from New Delhi titled ‘Days After Manipur Ambush, Army Hits Militants Across the Myanmar Border in Joint Operation With Air Force. It also offers no local version.
According to experts in Rangoon the former capital of Burma, Myanmar is still a strictly controlled semi-democracy and semi-military ruled nation. The media is not free in true sense. The cautious media avoids sensitive issues involving the Burmese Army. They fear that any detailed coverage with various views may invite the wrath of the Junta.
They play it safe by just reporting what international media reports without offering local views or versions. Editorialising Burmese Army actions is something they can ill afford to do.
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