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The Myanmar Conundrum

Ever since the Myanmar junta carried out a coup in February 2021, the country has faced violations of human rights. The military junta has arrested hundreds of elected leaders including Aung San Suu Kyi on charges of corruption and treason.

The citizens took out the civil disobedience movement (CDM) against the regime demanding the release of Suu Kyi and the restoration of democracy. The pro-democracy protestors were dealt with heavy hands by the military junta. These protestors are declared terrorists who are taking up arms against the state.

Recently, the arrested activists of the pro-democracy movement were executed including the popular former hip hop star Phyo Zeya Thaw and Ko Jimmy. These two were closely associated with Aung San Suu Kyi. They were charged under Counter-Terrorism Law after their arrest in October 2021. Not only it was the first execution to be held after three decades, but it came at a time when the objection raised by Myanmar on the case of genocide against Rohingya in The International Court of Justice has been cleared for further proceedings.

ASEAN chair, Cambodia who had earlier appealed for not carrying out the execution, has now warned Myanmar that Five Point Consensus is not working out. It also stressed that if it continues to execute the prisoners, there will be fallout and they will have to reconsider the agreed consensus.

The international community which includes the US, European Union, Japan, and the UN, responded by releasing condemnation of the execution. However, there was no strong action taken against the military junta. The military junta has extended military rule by six months, stating stability should precede elections. However, the way the military junta is functioning is further alienating the citizens and undermining any hopes for a return to democracy.

This execution signifies the following: firstly, Myanmar is not going to come under pressure from the international community. Secondly, it has declared CRPH (Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw) and NUG (National Unity Government) as terrorist organizations disturbing the peace of the country. It is projecting itself as the only credible power by governing through State Administrative Council (SAC).

Thirdly, just like the failure of the three-stage path suggested by China in resolving the Rohingya Crisis, The Five Point Consensus will go down the same path due to the reluctance of the military regime in resolving the current crisis. Fourthly, the regime further extended its rule when it clearly has shown no sign of overcoming the discontent within the country. The imposition of its command on the people will further delegitimize the military junta.

I’m Nazia – a political scientist, researcher, and writer from India. I have experience in research and teaching for ten years. I undertake both qualitative and quantitative research. My research interests lie in South Asian Politics, Foreign Policy, Comparative Study, Public Policy, Non-Violence and the issue of Marginalized communities.