In Myanmar, the junta government has released about 3000 prisoners, on “humanitarian grounds” in the Buddhist New Year amnesty, as a gesture of peace and stability.
The Junta government in Myanmar after a brutal overthrow of the civilian government in February 2021, is struggling to seek global approbation. In the latest turn of events, the junta has released about 3000 prisoners, arrested in pro-democracy protests against the government.
As per the statement of the junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, the prisoners are pardoned in order to mark the traditional festival of “Myanmar new year” thereby spreading the peaceful mind of people.
The situation in Myanmar
Since February 1, 2021, Myanmar has been under military rule by a coup d’état. The brutal rule has pushed Myanmar into an abysmal situation of turmoil and chaos.
Thousands of protestors were detained for protesting against the coup which overthrew the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. As per recent data around 17,000 are imprisoned along with the former leader of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi.
This unprecedented curb on freedom of speech and expression and other human rights has called for immense criticism and condemnation from governments all across the globe. Several countries led by the USA have even imposed multiple sanctions on the junta government.
Curb on Human Rights
Against the backdrop of this development, the civilians of the country have faced the severe brunt of the atrocities carried out by the junta. Umpteeth airstrikes and the use of arms against the people protesting have led to multiple casualties in Myanmar. All these unprecedented moves by the junta have led to a humanitarian crisis.
Last year in a series of sham judicial orders, the Nobel laureate and former leader Aung San Suu Kyi was given a total sentence of 33 years in jail. She was held to be guilty of corruption charges. The court’s ruling is touted as politically motivated in the wake of the military trying to curb any form of dissent.
After a series of anti-junta protests, leaders of the civilian political parties along with many journalists were prisoned. However, it is to be seen if the government releases all of the prisoners.
The junta government is facing international backlash for its suppression by several international and humanitarian organisations. They have called for the release of all the prisoners and called for restoring the democratically elected government.
Turmoil In the Government
In the wake of these defying acts, the Junta has tried to justify the acts by simply labeling it as an “internal political matter”. As per the official statements the government asserts that the airstrikes are carried out in order to eliminate the insurgents.
On the flip side of the event, the International community states the acts of imprisoning the political leader, people protesting against their acts, and imposing court trials on opposition leaders as “desperate acts”
International Response
The regional grouping Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has also taken a cautious stance against the military government in Myanmar.
Countries including China, Russia, and North Korea have not directly spoken against the military leadership and called for dialogue and deliberation.
From the Indian vantage point, it has taken a cautious stance considering the fact that China is expanding its feet in several regions of Myanmar, which share a border with Indian Northeastern states. A well-calibrated response from the Indian side is essential to maintain its regional position.
Despite the recent act of giving amnesty, Myanmar is in a state of social, political, economic, and geopolitical turmoil. A lot has to be seen on how future events pan out for the world order.
