Two Indian nationals abducted by an insurgent group in Myanmar

Two Indian nationals have been held hostage by a terrorist group called Arakan Army in Myanmar. According to reports, the Indian nationals were abducted while they were on their way to Sittwe from Paletwa to work on a road project. An MP from Myanmar was also captured by the group. The Indian team is working on a road project connecting India's Mizoram to Sittwe Port in Rakhine state, sources said. 

READ | Myanmar Says 14 Hostages Rescued From Arakan Army Through Air Assault

Fourteen people rescued from Arakan Army rebels' clutches

On October 28, the security forces of Myanmar said that they managed to rescue 14 people abducted by the Arakan Army rebels in Rakhine state with the help of armed helicopters. Myanmar’s information ministry said, in a statement, said that some people were abducted by the Arakan Army, an armed wing of the United League of Arakan (ULA). The abducted people included Tatmadaw personnel, police officers, service personnel, and civilians onboard Shwenadi Watercraft en route from Sittway to Buthidaung near Yemyat village on October 26. According to the Ministry of Information, the Arakan Army opened fire at the helicopter which was used to transport security forces to the nearest site of the abduction for the rescue operation. The insurgents failed to shoot it down but it hit the body of the helicopter and the pilot got injured. Later, an armed helicopter supported in carrying the security forces to complete the mission.

READ | Myanmar Actors Jailed With Hard Labour For Taking Jibes At Military

All about the Arakan Army

The Arakan Army was established in 2009 by ethnic Rakhine Buddhists with an objective to seek greater autonomy from the central government. The rebel group wants self-determination for the multi-ethnic Arakanese population. The Army is currently led by Commander in chief Twan Mrat Naing. In January 2019, around 300 members of the Arakan Army had launched a bloody attack on four border police outposts in which 13 members of Border Guard Police (BGP) were killed. In March as well, they attacked Yoe-ta-yoke Police Station, reportedly killing nine policemen.

READ | Myanmar: Families Of 2 Migrant Workers Seek Clemency From Thai King

READ | United Nations Mission Head: Risk Of Genocide Recurring In Myanmar

(INPUTS FROM ANI)