Uncertainty continues, many problems remain unanswered

Mon, 06/23/2008 10:36 AM | Headlines

The military has ruled Myanmar since 1962 when Gen. Ne Win led a military coup d'etat against the civilian rulers, ending the democratic government that had been instituted right after the country gained independence from Britain in 1948.

Many cited weak civilian administration as the key factor behind the military move, as it failed to suppress ethnic separatist movements.

The seven major ethnic groups in the country are the Mon, Karen, Karenine, Shan, Kachin, Chin and Arakhan. Myanmar consists of seven states and seven divisions, in which dozens of ethnic groups live. The divisions are mainly inhibited by the Burmans, who make up approximately 60 percent of Myanmar's population of 50 million people.

With empty promises concerning development, coupled with terror and violence, the military junta under current junta leader Gen. Than Shwe has succeeded in suppressing uprisings in the country, including the opposition democracy movement.

Below are some of the lingering questions faced by Myanmarese people concerning military rule, the opposition movement and ethnic relations:

1. Military rule:

Current situation:
The newly adopted constitution has guaranteed the military will rule the country for a long time to come as it enables only a puppet civilian government.

Proposed solution:
Indonesia has proposed the military be given a transitional time of five years to hand over power to civilians.

Western powers want the UN to intervene, using Cyclone Nargis as a pretext.

2. Opposition chance to govern

Current situation:
New constitution articles rule out Aung San Su Kyi joining the election because she married a foreigner while many NLD support ers are banned from running because they have criminal records.

Proposed solution:
Work together with ethnic groups, monks, continue resisting military rule while seeking international help.

Seek compromises with the military with long-term aim of slowly pushing military out of politics.

3. Civilian ability to rule

Current situation:
Even some Myanmarese doubt civilians can lead the country, espe cially taming ethnic conflicts.

Proposed solution:
Civilians need to convince ethnic group elites of the ultimate need of having Suu Kyi as a figure to unite and lead the country.

4. Ethnic conflicts

Current situation:
The military managed to clamp down on ethnic uprisings with empty promises, violence and military action. Many have accused mili tary of genocide, with thousands of being burned every year.

Proposed solution:
Ethnic groups must forget independence demands and focus on autonomy, to convince the public they are no longer an obstacle to efforts to overthrow the military.

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