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Buddhism, Constitutionalism, and the Status of Ethnic Minorities in Myanmar,” in Vinod Anand & Cchavi Vasisht (eds.), Revisiting Myanmar: Present Through Past, Pentagon Press Pg 153-160. ISBN:978-93-90095-83-4(HB)

Abstract http://www.pentagonpress.in/book_details.aspx?this=24145

The constitution defines a nation, and Myanmar has struggled both with constitutional making and democratisation. Since independence, Buddhism, which is practised by the majority, has held a special position within the constitution. It has been established by the three constitutions adopted since independence, which were in the years 1947, 1974, and 2008.The 2008 constitution was hailed as a roadmap to Myanmar’s democracy, further establishing the military’s authority over the country. Being an ethnically diverse nation, Myanmar has also faced insurgency from various ethnic groups. It identifies 135 ethnic
groups within the country, which excludes Rohingya. Myanmar citizenship is based on indigeneity – defined as residents in the country before 1823. The chapter seeks to trace constitutionalism, Buddhism, and the status of minorities in Myanmar regarding the policies of the state and constitutional provisions. The total population of Myanmar is 56.6 million, out of which 88 per cent comprise Theravada Buddhists, six per cent are Christians, and four per cent are Muslims. The 2014 census excluded Rohingya, but the NGOs and the government estimated 1.1 million Rohingya’s before October 2016. Ethnicity and religion are related to each other in Myanmar in a way, Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religion among the Bamar majority and the Shan, Rakhine, and Mon ethnic groups. The ethnic groups of Kachin, Chin, and Naga follow Christianity. The ethnic community of Rohingya and Kaman follow Islam. In analysing the status of minorities, the study will reflect on the historical as well as the current dispositions of state and minority relations. The chapter proposes to answer the following questions: What are the constitutional rights of minorities? What rights do minorities enjoy about the Bamar Buddhist majority? How is the state and minorities’ relation defined in Myanmar?

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.