NEW DELHI, Sept 5 – India has given US$1 million in aid to Myanmar to construct 10 schools in northern Rakhine state hit by communal clashes last year, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.
An official release said the aid forms part of India’s contribution towards the reconciliation process between ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State.
“It is India’s contribution towards the promotion of religious tolerance, communal harmony and reconciliation between the two communities,” the release said.
Following a visit to Myanmar by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid last December, Myanmar’s Ministry of Border Affairs proposed the construction of ten primary and middle schools in four townships in Sittwe, Maungdaw, Kyauktaw and Minbya in Rakhine.
“India hopes this modest effort will advance government and international efforts to restore communal harmony and promote education among both communities in Rakhine State,” the release said.
“Through this contribution and the development of the Sittwe port and river transport on the Kaladan river, India hopes to contribute to the all-round development of Rakhine state and strengthen historical ties between the state of Myanmar and the eastern states of India,” it added.
– BERNAMA
