Myanmar Coup

Why in news?

Myanmar's military has seized power after detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratically elected leaders.

Why did the coup occur?

• The Military had a tight grip on Myanmar as the constitution guarantees it a quarter of all seats in parliament and control of its most powerful ministries.
• In the last November's general election, military-backed party- USDP-performed poorly whereas the NLD did even better than in 2015.
• This created tensions between the armed forces and the government.
• Hence opposition raised allegations of widespread fraud in the election which was not backed by the electoral commission.
• Now the armed forces in Myanmar have confirmed that they have carried out their coup d'etat.

What are the restrictions imposed by the military?

• The army's TV station said power has been handed over to Commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing.
• Ms Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other leaders of NLD were arrested without knowing the place of detention.
• Army soldiers blocked roads in the capital, main cities & international and domestic TV channels, including the state broadcaster, went off air.
• Internet and phone services were disrupted and banks were forced to close but no major violence was reported.
• Troops patrolled the streets and a night-time curfew enforced with a one-year state of emergency declared.
• The military has already announced the replacements for a number of ministers.

What will happen now?

• The first session of parliament since the election which was due to start for approving the next government will no longer happen.
• The present system will tremendously benefit the army as it will have complete command autonomy, sizeable international investment in its commercial interests.
• It will also have the political cover from civilians for the war crimes.

Dow did the people respond?

• In a letter written in preparation for her impending detention, Suu Kyi said the military's actions would put the country back under a dictatorship.
• People felt their hard-fought battle for democracy had been lost & felt deeply betrayed by the military.
• Public are angry over the coup which was reflected in their comments though there have been some supporters for the army who waved flags in supporting them.
• People feel that they have no protection under the law now & they do not want to head back to a military future.

How did world Nations respond to this?

• UN Secretary-General called the army's move as a serious blow to democratic reforms & said they are preparing for an emergency meeting.
• UN demanded the release of the 45 people who had been detained.
• US President raised the threat of new sanction, UK condemned the coup and European Union leaders also issued similar condemnations.
• China which previously opposed international intervention in Myanmar urged all sides in the country to resolve difference.
• India expressed deep concern over the reports of an unfolding military coup in Myanmar.
• It also said that it has always been steadfast in its support to the process of democratic transition in Myanmar and rule of law must be upheld.

Source: BBC