UPDATE - 8 Myanmar citizens enter India to seek refuge

UPDATES WITH NUMBER OF NEW ARRIVALS, CHANGES HEADLINE, MINOR EDITS

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI, India (AA) - The number of Myanmar citizens who crossed to neighboring India to find refuge has risen to eight, local officials said on Thursday evening.

Amid a deadly crackdown on Myanmar anti-coup protesters, three citizens believed to be police officers had crossed to India’s northeastern Mizoram state on Wednesday.

"The number is now eight. Five of them arrived today (Thursday)," Kumar Abhishek, the deputy commissioner of Serchhip district in the state, told Anadolu Agency.

He said an investigation into the matter is underway to learn the exact reason for their arrival.

"Only after we complete our inquiry can we comment further on it," said Abhishek, adding that a report was sent to higher authorities as well.

Earlier, a senior official in the Mizoram government told Anadolu Agency that they have also sent a report to the federal government.

"According to preliminary information, these three Myanmar citizens are policemen [...] further investigation is going on," a senior official said on the condition of anonymity, referring to three Myanmar citizens arrived on Wednesday.

The official added that they expect more citizens to arrive. "If the situation deteriorates in Myanmar, definitely, more people will try to enter India."

It has been over a month now after the Myanmar military ousted the elected government in a coup, triggering protests against the army.