Violence in Myanmar will not stop despite recognising the Junta regime, warns special UN envoy

New York/Brunei: – The special UN envoy warned that violence in Myanmar would not stop by recognising the Junta regime that acquired power, overthrowing the elected government in the country. UN Special Envoy Christine Burgener also warned that, on the contrary, if such a step is taken, the country is in danger of becoming more unstable and failing. Meanwhile, it has been revealed that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has denied entry to General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the junta regime in Myanmar, at a meeting starting on Tuesday.

In February, Myanmar’s military revolted and seized power. The people of Myanmar took to the streets and started pro-democracy protests against the military’s decision. Despite the brutality and atrocities perpetrated by the army, the people of Myanmar have not backed down. Even after eight months, the agitation has not subsided and its extent is increasing.

Leaders of Myanmar’s democratic regime and ethnic and rebel groups have joined hands to form the National Unity Government. However, after the National Unity Government’s appeal, several groups fighting against the junta regime in Myanmar have united launched an armed struggle in the form of the People’s Defence Force. In the last few months, there have been reports of clashes between the People’s Defence Force and military units in various parts of Myanmar.

Against this background, the warning issued by UN Special Envoy Burgener is significant. The UN special envoy warned, ‘It is expected that the international community will not back down on the Myanmar issue. The international community needs to stand with the people of Myanmar. Recognition of the junta regime in Myanmar will not stop the violence in the country. No country near Myanmar is ready to recognise the regime. Doing so would make Myanmar a failed state and increase instability in the region.’

Meanwhile, the ASEAN has indicated to adopt a tough stance against Myanmar’s junta regime. The ASEAN meeting began on Tuesday. General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the junta regime, has been denied entry to the meeting. Earlier, ASEAN had refrained from intervening in Myanmar. Against this background, the denying of access to General Hlaing’s draws attention.

Last week, the junta released hundreds of political prisoners because of the mounting pressure from the international community and ASEAN. However, after their release, it has been revealed that more than 100 political activists were re-arrested. Therefore, political groups and analysts claimed that the earlier decision to release was just a façade.