Context

This editorial is based on the news “The Myanmar conflict is a regional problem” which was published in the Hindu. ASEAN and others need to support Myanmar’s independent media and people in their battle for a truly democratic country.

Myanmar Conflict: Background

• November 2020: The General election takes place in Myanmar.
• February 2021: A coup occurs in Myanmar, aiming to overturn the results of the November 2020 general election.
• March 9, 2021: Army trucks arrive at Mizzima’s headquarters in Yangon, Myanmar.
  • Soldiers ransack and loot the independent media group’s office as part of a broader crackdown on independent media.
  • This has forced many journalists to flee their native places.

Myanmar Conflict is a Regional Problem

• Exodus of Journalists:  

• • Journalists seeking refuge have moved to neighbouring countries or regions within Myanmar that are outside junta control.

• Migration Issues: 

  • Over two million within Myanmar and some 1.5 million refugee seekers have been forced from their homes since the coup. 
    • Approximately 25 million people, nearly half of Myanmar’s population, are living in poverty, intensifying the destabilising conditions.
    • Almost One-third of Myanmar’s Population is suffering from lack of Food Access. 

• Security Concerns for Neighbouring Countries: 

  • The conflict has poured over its borders to impact neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, China, India, and Thailand, while also placing significant humanitarian demands on these nations. 
    • Example-The influx of Rohingya Refugees from Myanmar into Bangladesh.

• Increase in the Criminal Activity: 

• • The collapse of the rule of law in Myanmar has led to an increase in criminal activity, which not only affects Myanmar but also has negative repercussions for regional countries victimised by this criminal underworld. 
    • Example-The Cultivation of Opium has increased in the region. This can increase Drug Menace in India especially in the North East.

• Trade and Economic Corridors in the Region Hampered: 

  • Due to hostilities in Myanmar.
    • Example- China Myanmar Economic Corridor, Kaladan Multi Modal Project can get affected.

ASEAN’s Role in Promoting Stability in the Region

• Five Point Consensus: ASEAN reached a five-point consensus with the junta leader: an immediate end to violence in the country; dialogue among all parties; the appointment of a special envoy; humanitarian assistance by ASEAN; and the special envoy’s visit to Myanmar to meet with all parties.
• No significant achievements: The Myanmar Conflict has worsened, with active fighting reported in 316 out of 330 townships by the end of 2023.
  • There is a fear that Myanmar might become more inclined towards China.
• Control of Area by Junta and Resistance Groups: Around 40% of townships in Myanmar are now assessed to be out of the junta’s control, with nearly 600 resistance groups challenging its authority.
• The State Administration Council (SAC), Myanmar’s junta, disregards calls for establishing representative democracy: The junta has responded to dissent with intensified persecution and suppression, including arbitrary arrests, torture, extrajudicial killings, and attacks on civilians and journalists.

Current Role of Independent Media

• Persists in reporting truth from Neighbouring Countries: despite violence and intimidation to protect journalists and uphold press freedom.
• An Independent Press Council: is being formed to counter the ineffective Myanmar Press Council, which is staffed with retired military personnel promoting state propaganda.

Way Forward

• All stakeholders, including ASEAN, should support Burmese journalists and the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of peace, stability, prosperity, and democracy.
• Policymakers should avoid accepting junta-rigged elections and a democratic post-junta Myanmar is vital for regional strategic, security, and economic interests.