Follow up-3 : Myanmar Situation

News Desk

The Indian government has expressed “deep concern” over Monday’s military coup in Myanmar and voiced support for the process of democratic transition in the country. “We believe that the rule of law and the democratic process must be upheld. We are monitoring the situation closely,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

A number of governments including those of the US and Australia have also voiced concern over the military takeover, with Washington and Canberra calling for the release of State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other officials who were detained by the military on Monday morning.

Military-appointed acting President U Myint Swe declared the country to be under a nationwide state of emergency for one year under Article 417 of the 2008 Constitution on Monday, clearing the way for the armed forces to take control. The military said it was forced to act after the government ignored its allegations of fraud in November’s general election.