Myanmar army under pressure

MYANMAR’S generals came under increased diplomatic pressure last Thursday (18) over the coup that deposed Aung San Suu Kyi, as India joined the US and other countries in calling for a restoration of democracy, and Britain and Canada announced sanctions against the junta.

As the ruling generals pressed on with a drive to stymie opposition, India called in a joint statement along with the US, Japan and Australia – all members of the Quad alliance – for strengthening democracy in Asia and reversing the coup.

India’s external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasised “upholding of rule of law and the democratic transition” in Myanmar.

The February 1 putsch – which saw Suu Kyi and president Win Myint detained in dawn raids under the blanket of an internet blackout – has drawn international condemnation. Washington was the first to enact concrete action, announcing targeted sanctions last week against Myanmar’s generals by cutting off their access to $1 billion in funds in the United States.

Britain said that three generals – defence minister Mya Tun Oo, home affairs minister Soe Htut and his deputy Than Hlaing – will be sanctioned for “serious human rights violations” following the coup.

Canada in turn sanctioned nine Myanmar military officials and accused the junta of engaging “in a systemic campaign of repression through coercive legislative measures and use of force”.