Myanmar’s military government has ended the state of emergency imposed since the 2021 coup and announced plans to hold elections by the end of 2025, despite ongoing civil conflict and opposition from pro-democracy groups.
Background
- Myanmar’s military seized power on February 1, 2021, overthrowing Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) government.
- The army declared a state of emergency, alleging election fraud in 2020 polls, though independent observers found no irregularities.
- Seven consecutive six-month extensions of emergency rule were declared over the last 4.5 years.
Recent Developments State of Emergency Lifted:
- Military announced that emergency rule has ended to enable election preparations.
- Elections likely in December 2025, within six months of lifting emergency.
Restructuring of Administration:
- State Administration Council dissolved; governance transferred to National Defence and Security Council.
- Senior General Min Aung Hlaing gave up two posts but retains central influence through other positions.
Civil War Challenge:
- Country faces widespread armed resistance from ethnic militias and pro-democracy forces.
- Opposition groups reject elections, calling them neither free nor fair under military oversight.
Significance
- Marks a formal political transition attempt but democracy remains uncertain amid conflict.
- India and ASEAN closely monitor Myanmar for regional stability and border security.
- Outcome will impact refugee flows, cross-border insurgency, and regional trade corridors like the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway.
INDIA–MYANMAR BORDER
- Length and States:
- The India–Myanmar border is ~1,643 km long, touching four Indian states: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
- Special Features:
- Free Movement Regime (FMR) allows border residents to travel up to 16 km across the border without a visa, mainly for trade and cultural ties.
India’s Key Infrastructure Projects in Myanmar
- Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP):
- Connects Kolkata port to Sittwe port (Myanmar) via sea, then river and road transport to Mizoram, boosting Northeast connectivity.
- India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway:
- Aims to link Moreh (Manipur) to Mae Sot (Thailand) through Myanmar for trade and regional integration.
- Border Haats and Connectivity Projects:
- Development of border trade points, bridges, and road projects to improve cross-border movement and local economy.
Conclusion:
Ending the state of emergency signals Myanmar’s intent to hold elections, but ongoing civil war and lack of credibility raise doubts about the restoration of genuine democracy.
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