ASEAN Initiative on Myanmar

April 27, 2021

The Government of India recently welcomed the ASEAN Initiative on Myanmar.

ASEAN Initiative on Myanmar

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations released a five-point statement on Myanmar crisis. Under the statement, the ASEAN countries have demanded “Immediate Cessation of Violence”. The five points of the initiative are as follows:

  • To end violence
  • Organise a constructive dialogue among all parties
  • To appoint a special ASEAN Envoy to facilitate the all-party dialogue
  • Acceptance of aid
  • The Special ASEAN Envoy will visit Myanmar with the Military leader

What is the issue?

The military of Myanmar dismissed the Government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.

Criticisms

The five-point consensus was created between the ASEAN countries and the current military leader who seized power. There have been massive protests in the country since the military coup. The consensus is being criticised that ASEAN is encouraging military coup. Also, the consensus did not mention a timeline. It also neglected the political prisoners in Myanmar.

Brunei is the current chair of ASEAN.

The Issue of Myanmar-IN DEPTH

Myanmar gained independence from Britain in 1948. Between 1962 and 2011, the country was ruled by armed forces. It was the ruling military that changed the name of Burma into Myanmar.

Aung San Suu Kyi, daughter of Father of Myanmar (Aung San) returned to Myanmar in 1988. She was put under house arrest by the military in 1989. In 2010, Suu Kyi was freed. In 2012, she won a by-election and took a seat in the Parliament.

In 2015, the National League for Democracy party won the elections. However, the military barred Suu Kyi from presidency. A post of State counsellor was created for Suu Kyi to run the Government.

In February 2021 elections, the National League for Democracy won the elections again. The Tatmadaw (Name of Myanmar military) declared state of emergency. It also declared that the power is being transferred to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services.

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