Guwahati: As the world reacts to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine angrily, the anti-junta Burmese forces urges the international community to stand with them as well. The Spring Revolution forces of Myanmar (also known as Burma or Brahmadesh) stand in stark contrast to the military junta’s support of Vladimir Putin’s violent acts.
“Just as the world feels outrage and anger about the situation in Ukraine and Russia’s actions, continued airstrikes in Myanmar and the devastation they are causing must translate into urgently needed, effective and targeted sanctions to hinder the use of such weaponry,” said Progressive Voice, a participatory rights-based policy research and advocacy organization, in its latest weekly highlights column.
The military junta is one of the few voices worldwide to express support for the invasion of Ukraine, stating that Russia was protecting its sovereignty. Given the close ties between Russia and the Myanmar military, particularly regarding weapons purchases, this is of no great surprise. Myanmar’s legitimate government, the National Unity Government has already condemned Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Protesters throughout Myanmar offered their solidarity, with Ukrainian flags being sighted at anti-junta demonstrations throughout the south-east Asian country. The strength and bravery of people protesting against war in Russia, or resisting in Ukraine, are also reflected in thousands of peaceful protesters, armed resistance groups and ethnic armed organizations in Myanmar who are resisting the junta’s attacks.
“The invasion of Ukraine has brought back deeply unpleasant reminders of February last year, when the military started its failed attempt to grab power. Not that the nightmare has abated in any way for the people of Myanmar, as the military junta continues to use indiscriminate violence, targets civilians, tortures, murders, and abuses throughout the country,” said the forum adding that the junta had lately bombed civilian areas in Karenni State, burned down villages in Sagaing region, tortured peaceful youth protesters in Magwe region, etc.
The EU’s recent move to sanction Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise, which is a junta controlled entity, is welcome. The oil and gas sector provides the junta with up to $1.5 billion a year in foreign currency revenue, and more countries must follow. General Min Aung Hlaing and his group may feel that Putin’s invasion can embolden them to further commit acts of violence against the Burmese people, and hence the international community must stand with the resistance forces.
Myanmar’s democratic resistance should receive the same support and solidarity that Ukraine is getting from the international community to punish the Russian president for the violent acts. By now the Spring Revolution forces are getting public support. A timely coordinated action from the international community is the only piece missing that is needed for a final push that would dispose of the military junta once and for all.
Stand with Burmese people too, appeals anti-junta forces to international community
