This refers to the report, “Protestors defiant as strike shuts businesses in Myanmar” (Feb. 23, Gulf Today). Myanmar had been experiencing a moderate democracy and peace until recently since 2015 parliament elections where the National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi won the required seats to form a government.

Despite the atrocities against the Rohingya Muslims whilst the former Nobel laureate for peace Aung San Suu Kyi was in power, the people of Myanmar in general enjoyed democracy in their country.

But the recent coup by the army to seize power has pushed that nation into civil unrest again. Though Suu Kyi’s party won majority in the recent elections, the army took over the power alleging fraud in the elections. Unlike the past civil unrest in Myanmar, the youth who were used to breathing the fresh air of democracy are at the forefront fighting the military rule this time. The civil strikes led by the people of Myanmar with the help of social media will have a lot of impact especially on youngsters who look forward to a bright future in a peaceful democracy.

Like in the past, the generals should not underestimate the current civil disobedience and should reach out to the people and do a meaningful transfer of power for a peaceful and democratic Myanmar.

PA Jacob
Kerala, India