The surging violence and brutality in Myanmar since 1st February after the Government of Myanmar got overthrown by the Military, and Aug San Suu Kyi and other members of National League for Democracy party are under the military hold along with other civilians.
Myanmar announced a state of emergency since the revolt and is expected to be the same for a year, as declared by the military.
The general assembly elections of Myanmar took place. Aug San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party won by a majority, soon after which the coup took place and took over the control of Myanmar.
Aug San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party obtained 396 seats out of 476 seats in the election, after which there were some accusations from the opposition parties about some foul play in the elections, without any substantial evidence, and the revolt took place before the fresh session could open.
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Who is in charge now?
The Commander-In-Chief of the Military, Min Aung Hlaing, is in control of Myanmar at the current moment. The United Nations has also recommended him to investigate the war crimes and genocide that he has committed.
He also makes a public announcement stating that the military is on the people’s side and helps create a “true ad disciplined democracy,” Another “fair and free” election will organize once the state of emergency is over.
Min Aung Hlaing and Andrea Faulkner, Australia’s ambassador in Myanmar, had a meeting in 2020 regarding the defense cooperation and the Indi-Pacific region’s geographical policies. The meeting was held at Bayintnaung Villa in Naypyidaw, which is the capital of Myanmar. During the meeting, they also have posed for photos and also exchanged gifts with each other.
People’ Reaction to the coup
The civilians have taken to the streets to protest the overthrowing of the National League for Democracy party. More than 38 of the protesters died while protesting, and more than 50 envoys of the United Nations have died since the last month.
The protesters range from teachers to students, lawyers, to government workers, every civilian is stepping onto the streets to protest against the coup.
The military has used curfews and put limitations on public gatherings. The military has also used water cannons, rubber bullets, and ammunition to control the protesters’ mob.
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It seems to be the largest protest since the the2007 Saffron evolution, which the Monks led against the military.
Australia’s military cooperation with Myanmar
Witnessing the military coup of Myanmar, Australia has withdrawn its military cooperation with Myanmar and deviated its funds to non-government organizations.
The Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Marise Payne, has also shown concern about the detainment of Aung San Suu Kyi and also the treatment of detainees, and the measures taken up by the military to control protest.
Payne has also commented that Australia is against the use of brutality and violence against the country’s citizens, who are expressing their universal rights of freedom of expression and assembly. It has also prompted the Myanmar military to restrain from using violence against the civilians of Myanmar.
Payne has also expressed concerns over Professor Sean Turnell, an Australian Professor of Economics, an adviser to Aung San Suu Kyi and is under the military’s watch in Yangon, with restricted consular access to his detainment, which was over a month ago.
Touch With The Asian Neighbors
Australia has been in touch with the ASIAN neighbors of Myanmar- India, and Japan about the policies regarding the relations to Myanmar. It has also decided to cease the bilateral defense cooperation program with the Myanmar military, training, and assistance in non-military areas, like English language training.
To maintain stability and pace politically, the ASEAN member states must achieve a secure, peaceful, and prosperous environment. All the funds and aids are being redirected towards the humanitarian needs and the development of ethnic minorities, all of which are led by non-government organizations.
Australia’s development programs for Myanmar focus on the country’s peace and stability and support democratic elections for the citizens of Myanmar. Payne has also commented that Australia has been a long-term partner with Myanmar, both in good and bad times and hopes to see Myanmar achieve peace for both the people and the country.
The coup has threatened to end a 10-year democracy of Myanmar after decades of military rule in Myanmar.
