Myanmar military fires at Chinese Red Cross convoy carrying earthquake aid

New Delhi, Apr 2: Myanmar’s military opened fire on a Chinese Red Cross convoy carrying relief supplies for earthquake victims on Tuesday night. The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an armed rebel group, reported that the nine-vehicle convoy was attacked with machine guns in Shan State, in eastern Myanmar.

The convoy was traveling to Mandalay, one of the worst-hit cities, after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the country last Friday. So far, no injuries have been reported in the attack.

Myanmar’s ruling junta denied directly firing at the vehicles. Instead, it claimed that its soldiers fired warning shots into the air because the convoy failed to stop when ordered. The military says it is now investigating the incident. China’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that its rescue team and aid supplies remain safe. It has called on all sides in Myanmar to prioritise earthquake relief efforts over conflict.

Calls for a Ceasefire Rejected

The devastating earthquake has killed over 2,700 people, with hundreds still missing. Despite this tragedy, Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has rejected calls for a ceasefire from armed rebel groups, which had asked for a temporary pause in fighting to allow humanitarian aid into affected areas. Instead, the junta has announced that it will continue military operations, including airstrikes against rebel groups. State media has confirmed that offensives will persist, worsening concerns about relief efforts in conflict-affected regions.

The United Nations and humanitarian groups report that food, water, medicine, and shelter are in short supply. Many affected areas remain inaccessible due to ongoing conflict and damaged infrastructure. The UN has accused Myanmar’s military of blocking aid deliveries to regions controlled by rebel groups, where up to three-quarters of the country’s population lives. There are also reports that humanitarian convoys have been stopped at military checkpoints and some aid workers have been detained. With the monsoon season approaching in May, relief organisations fear that the situation will become even worse, with floodwaters making it even more difficult to reach earthquake survivors.

India’s Role in Humanitarian Aid

India has stepped in with major humanitarian assistance, sending medical teams, food, and emergency supplies in the last four days. Over the last four days, India has delivered tons of aid to Myanmar. On Tuesday, an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130 aircraft landed in Mandalay, carrying 16 tonnes of relief materials, including medical supplies and essential goods. Indian Navy ships, INS Karmuk and LCU52, have also transported 30 tonnes of aid, including food, tents, and medicine.

India has also set up a field hospital in Mandalay, where medical teams treat injured survivors under Operation Brahma. Local officials, including Mandalay’s Chief Minister U Myo Aung, have visited the hospital.

Myanmar has been struggling with political turmoil, economic decline, and armed conflict since the military seized power in 2021. The coup triggered a civil war between the ruling junta and various ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy fighters. The earthquake has worsened an already dire situation, destroying homes, hospitals, and roads needed for aid distribution. Many hospitals in rebel-controlled areas have been bombed or abandoned due to the conflict. With key highways also damaged or blocked, getting relief to those in need remains a major challenge.

Despite global pressure, Myanmar’s military continues its offensives while restricting aid access. International organisations, including the UN, have urged the junta to allow humanitarian assistance without restrictions. However, with fighting ongoing and relief efforts being obstructed, millions of people remain at risk. For earthquake survivors, the coming weeks will be critical, as access to food, clean water, and shelter remains uncertain. With both war and disaster unfolding at the same time, Myanmar faces one of its worst humanitarian crises in recent history.