NEW DELHI: India has finally reacted to the violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state by handing over $ 200,000 to the state administration for the riot-affected people. Government sources here said that the money, which was handed over to Rakhine chief minister U Hla Maung Tin by Indian ambassador V Seshadri, is meant for both refugees from both the communities – the majority Rakhine Buddhists and minority Rohingya Muslims .

While New Delhi has remained tight-lipped about the failure of not just Myanmar government but also the opposition led by Aung San Suu Kyi to come to the rescue of Rohingyas, a protest by the Muslims last month in Mumbai had claimed two lives.

"India hopes that the assistance will help in bringing quicker relief and in contributing towards peace and harmony," said Seshadri.

The money was handed over to the representatives of the two communities at a function in capital Sittwe attended by several government officials. "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,’’ Myanmar’s minister for border affairs Thein Htay was quoted by news agencies.

"First, we get the sympathy (from India), second the physical help, and so, we feel this reflects good neighborly ties," he added. India has seen a steady influx of Rohingya Muslims, who are believed to have been targeted by the majority Buddhists, in the past few years. While officially there may not still be more than 8,000 Rohingyas in India, BJP leaders in the north-east have already started to aggressively raise the issue.

Apart from competing for influence with China and several Western nations in energy-rich Myanmar, yet a fledgling democracy, India has found its hands tied also because of the insurgency in the north-east bordering Myanmar. In what was the first visit by an Indian PM to Myanmar in 25 years, PM Manmohan Singh travelled to Naypyidaw in May.

One of the highlights of the visit, in fact, was how President Thein Sein went out of his way to assure Singh that Myanmar will not allow its territory to be used against India by any insurgent group.

