Burma Under The Heels of The Generals

In 1948 Burma was granted Independence by the British. At that time the fledgeling nation opted for democracy. But the democratic regime was riven by factionalism and nobody knew what was happening.In 1958 the civil government called in General Ne Win as Prime Minister and he continued for 2 years. But the democratic set up did not flourish and General Ne Win seized power in a military coup.

The coup was supposed to be a surgery for the republic and civil rule was to be ushered back. But the trappings of power and added perks helped change the mind of the generals, who decided that they would continue in power.In fact the Constitution was amended and the Military began to govern the nation. In this the role of General Ne Win cannot be underrated as he was the one single factor that saw to it that the Burmese nation remained under the boots of the Army.

The Army rule was a disaster and a number of agitations by students and intellectuals ended with the Army shooting hundreds of demonstrators dead. This barbarity has never been explained.Even the Pakistan army which is the de facto ruler in Pakistan has never shot any Pakistani citizen dead. But in Burma this is more the rule than the exception.

In 1988 another popular agitation by the people led to the resignation of Ne Win, but the Army remained in power and again showed its savagery by shooting to death hundreds of protesters. Not only this, but prominent opposition leaders like Aung Sye were imprisoned or put under house arrest. Red China which has its own axe to grind sided with the Burmese army and weapons and equipment bolstered the military, which remained entrenched. The future is indeed bleak as this army rule has brought in no progress and no development. Burma is at least 50 years behind its neighbours. One wonder when will Burma get rid of its Army boots.