A morning on February 1st, 2021. The military junta of Myanmar takes over the government of Myanmar. State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi was detained immediately. Various charges were slapped against her and other leaders. The military announced the state of emergency for a year. Coup d'etat completes deposing the democratically elected government of the National League for Democracy.
Myanmar became independent in 1948, a year after India. The country has been experiencing ethnic strifes, political instability, and military intervention in government matters ultimately leading to coups such as this one. The military of Myanmar called Tatmadaw has intervened in political affairs every now and then. It has ruled the country from 1962-2011.
The notable pro-democracy activist, Aung San Suu Kyi has protested this since the so-called 8888 uprisings in 1988. The agreement was reached between NLD and the Military in 2011. Democratic Transition began. However, the military has retained the power to appoint 1/4th of parliament members. Aung Sun and NLD won the 2015 elections and subsequently November 2020 elections.
NLD won 396 seats out of 476. Military's proxy parties Union Solidarity and Development Party won only 33 seats. The Tatmadaw called this election fraudulent. The rumors for the coup had been in the air since then. Now as the military controls Myanmar, waves of protests have erupted.
The timing?
The question which has not been answered yet is the timing of the coup. Myanmar junta had every power to shape a coup and take over anytime. The context of Chinese expansion in South Asia, Russia China entanglements, and the weaning USA can explain some nuances behind it.
It has been repeatedly said that China and Russia have entrenched ties with Myanmar military. Both countries trade with Myanmar for arms and equipment in billions. As China tries to influence Indo-Pacific Politics and gain access to the Indian Ocean, Myanmar's military can act as a pawn.
Aung San has been criticized for her support of the military campaign against Rohingyas, a Muslim minority group. She represented Myanmar at a trial in front of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2019. She defended Myanmar against allegations of ethnic genocide of Rohingyas. This international criticism has torn her image. The military has used this as an advantage to further their agenda.
The West has condemned the coup. The USA and UK have been the most vocal critiques. President Biden even threatened sanctions. However, the resolution for condemnation in United Nations has been vetoed by Russia and China. Hence, no significant action has been yet taken except for words.
Myanmar and the International Civil Society continue to protest against the coup. Where does India stand on coup? What are the implications for India? Let's take a look soon.
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