by Pannalal Surana
Within a short period of five years, the Myanmar military in that small country has struck a severe blow to democracy. After the cruel murder of the then socialist PM, Aung San in 1952 the military had imposed authoritan rule. Discontent was simmering and small or big protests were taking place. Aung San Suu Kyi, daughter of late P.M. had taken education in England and got married to a British National. Being greatly perturbed by the happenings in the motherland, she returned home and plunged into the democratic movement. For years she was put behind the bars. The rulers had got a clause put in country’s constitution so that a person married to a foreigner is debarred from holding post of President or PM.
Due to internal uprising and also pressure from outside, partial democracy was restored in 2014. In the elections to the legislature, Su Kyi’s party got majority even though 25 percent of the seats were reserved for the military. Madam Su Kyi’s colleagues held positions in the government, but the officers in Uniform were overriding many decisions.
Last fortnight elections were held which again repeated the results. The military did not want the civilians to rule. So, they declared martial law, put Su Kyi behind the bars and ushered in authoritarian rule. The people are again storming the streets, braving the repressive onslaught. Many foreign powers and Secretary General of the UN raised loud voices asking for restoration of democracy. We, the people of India should come out strongly in support of the people there.
It’s true, the Karen tribals as also other 2-3 groups are indulging in occasional armed skirmishes. China is fishing in troubled waters with a view to enhance trouble for India. India should be very vigilant so that not many disturbing events take place there and democracy, alongwith measures of welfare of the people are restored.
