Myanmar, formerly Burma, is popularly known as ‘The land of Golden Pagodas‘, a credit for the beautiful Buddhist temples in the country. Situated strategically between South and Southeast Asia, it serves as a vital trade link between two such regions of Asian continent, which are culturally, economically, socially and politically diverse.
Burma was in fact an integral part of the Indian mainland before the British made it a separate colony through the Government of India Act, 1935. It was also an important battlefield during the World WarII.
Like many other nations in the region, Myanmar too is a victim of an unstable polity. After obtaining independence in 1948, democracy remained for just 14 years, when the first military coup was staged. Since then, military governments have been at the helm of affairs in the country.
The economy has weakened considerably with poverty, unemployment, corruption, drug menace, arms smuggling and army domination with consistent public suppression, being the most notable and featured achievements of the illegal regime. Armed ethnic conflicts have also helped promote a state of lawlessness. The recent “monk massacre” by the ruling junta is hard testimony to the state of disorder in the nation.
Another problem with Myanmar is the deliberate violation of human rights. Resentment against the military generals is widespread. Anybody who dares to question is severely punished. Also, child soldiers are very common in Myanmarese armies. With many armed ethnic groups springing up, it is not uncommon to find a good number of children in their lower ranks.
The national military leadership being corrupt, belligerent and exploitative, a service in the forces doesn’t appeal to many. This causes the armies to forcibly recruit children as soldiers. Reports testify the presence of kids as young as 10 in the forces.
What is shocking is that allies like China, India and Russia overlook such problems and provide vital defense supplies to the Tatmadaw, the Myanmar army, all for the reason that ‘it can be a strategic ally‘. India has even indirectly conferred legitimacy on the military rule when it declared its support to any stable government in its neighbor nation, be in military or democracy. It is extremely unfortunate that these child soldiers are denied the basic childhood life that they legally deserve. Bluntly, China, India and Russia are indirectly promoting Myanmar’s sorry state.
The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has often expressed its anger against the ruling junta, but not much has changed. Very soon, the UN Security Council will meet to censure the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). We sincerely hope that there will be some positive steps then...
News Source: The Jakarta Post
