Regardless Of ‘Who Benefits By the Myanmar Coup’, Innocent Civilian Lives Have To Be Protected. Holy Father Appeals for Dialogue To Resolve Conflict

“I too kneel on the streets of Myanmar and say: stop the violence! I too extend my arms and say: let dialogue prevail!” the Holy Father Pope Francis said following Sr. Ann Rosa. Kneeling down before the army Sr. Ann Rosa pleaded with folded hands not to harm the unarmed demonstrators. She was ordered to leave immediately, but she stood her ground, saying, “Just shoot me if you want to. The protesters have no weapons and they are just showing their desire peacefully.” The video of her daring act went viral on social media, with various media networks.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the Feb. 1 military coup that ousted the elected government and detained its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. The military is now back in charge and has declared a year-long state of emergency. Military commander-in-chief Min Aung Haling has taken power. Hundreds of people, including children, have been killed.

Myanmar, also known as Burma, is in South East Asia. It neighbours are Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, China and India. The main religion is Buddhism. There are many ethnic groups in the country, including Rohingya Muslims. The country gained independence from Britain in 1948. It was ruled by the armed forcesfrom 1962 until 2011, when a new government began ushering in a return to civilian rule.

Aung San Suu Kyi was the only source of consolation for democracy in Myanmar. Aung San Suu Kyi became world-famous in the 1990s for campaigning to restore democracy. She spent nearly 15 years in detention between 1989 and 2010, after organising rallies calling for democratic reform and free elections. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 while under house arrest. Ms Suu Kyi’s international reputation has suffered greatly as a result of Myanmar’s treatment of the Rohingya minority. Myanmar considers them illegal immigrants and denies them citizenship. Over decades, many have fled the country to escape persecution. Thousands of Rohingya were killed and more than 700,000 fled to Bangladesh following an army crackdown in 2017.

Numerous countries like US, UK, Europe Union, China, and other Asian countries condemned the military takeover and raised their voices to release Aansunkui and elected leaders to restore democracy. India needs to demonstrate its concern and solidarity against the current violence against innocent people. Protests and killings continue till today. Young people are becoming victims. Salesian congregation expressed its concerns towards Myanmar on 11th April in standing united with candle lit prayer. Let us hope that the normalcy to be returned in Myanmar and democracy prevails.

Fr. Francis Bosco SDB, (M.A.Social work & L.L.B)
Advocate, Director,
Don Bosco Migrant Services,
Kosapur, Mathur P.O,
Chennai – 600 060, Mobile: 9443394655