Myanmar coup-The way forward

Introduction

• The Myanmar junta should heed the people and respect the election results

Background of the coup

• Ever since the military captured power in Myanmar seven weeks ago, the country has steadily descended into political and economic chaos.
• When the Generals toppled the democratically elected government, detained its leaders, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, and declared a state of emergency with prohibitory orders, they may have thought that they could quickly consolidate power through force.
• But they were proved wrong as tens of thousands of people stood up against the junta.
• Faced with strong challenges in their path toward absolute power, the Generals responded with brutal force.
• At least 247 people have been killed since the February 1 coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a non-profit.

History of Democracy in Myanmar

• The military, which controlled the country through direct rule for almost 50 years until former junta ruler Than Shwe initiated the transition into partial democracy in 2010, is one of the most consistent enemies of democracy and human rights.
• In 1988 and 2007, the Generals unleashed violence to quell protests (Saffron Revolution). But in the past, they managed to restore order quickly through fear and violence.

The public remains defiant

• Now, neither the junta’s bloody track record nor the actual use of force is dissuading the protesters who, after experiencing limited liberties for 10 years, refuse to recognise the junta.
• Mostly, youngsters, use VPN and encrypted messenger apps to organise protests and are joined by thousands, including bank employees, port workers and medics, bringing the battered economy to a halt.
• As protests and violence continue, international pressure is also mounting on the Generals. In the past, the Myanmarese military paid little attention to international opinion or targeted sanctions.
• They are unlikely to be different now. But the Generals now find it increasingly difficult to consolidate power and restore order.
• How long will the Generals continue to kill their own people? And even if they quelled the protests through more bloodshed, what kind of a Myanmar would they be left with?

Impact on India

• The crisis had its spillover impacts on the borders as well.
• At least 300 Myanmarese, including police officers, are estimated to have since crossed into India.
• Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga took up the issue with the Foreign Minister and India has shut the border for now, but it would be difficult for New Delhi to turn a blind eye to the border if the situation in Myanmar turns worse.

Way ahead

• Surely, no one wants an extremely poor, isolated country with a broken society and a shattered economy.
• The Myanmar Generals should, without further bloodshed, heed the public’s demands, end the coup, respect the election results and restore the country’s democracy. That is the only way forward.