Women are leading the current struggle for democracy in Myanmar, this time in the picket lines.
In response, thousands of Burmese people protested the blatant overthrow of the country’s civilian government leaders and the widespread censorship by the junta, through civil disobedience and series of peaceful assemblies.
IN the quest of the people of Myanmar to regain their democracy, deposed State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and teenager Kyal Sin emerged as important figures and rallying symbols of what the Burmese people are fighting for.
When the democratically elected Suu Kyi was ousted by Myanmar’s military on the morning of February 1, the Burmese people, along with the world, immediately knew freedom and liberty is under fire yet again.
The military junta justified its action by citing alleged election fraud that transpired during the November 2020 elections, but to no avail.
In response, thousands of Burmese people protested the blatant overthrow of the country’s civilian government leaders and the widespread censorship by the junta, through civil disobedience and series of peaceful assemblies.
Countries and other international bodies were also active in condemning the military for their actions and demanded the release of Suu Kyi along with other jailed National League for Democracy (NLD) leaders.
However, like any authoritarian regime, pressures of the international community proved to be ineffective.
Moreover, the resistance of the Burmese people was met with brute force and violent crackdowns by the country’s combined police and military force day and night.
“Everything will be OK”
As for Sin, or Angel as she was known by her friends, she was a normal teenager which dedicated her life to dancing and martial arts.
She could have stayed silent and continue to live normal, but she chose to offer her life to something greater than her.
Unfortunately, Sin died after being shot in the head by the police during a protest in the city of Mandalay.
According to a United Nations (UN) tally, she was among the 38 people killed on March 3.
Estimates indicate that more than 50 people had already died since the demonstrations started in the country.
Before being killed, she could be seen wearing a black T-shirt that said, “Everything will be OK,” also shouting: “We will not run!” against state forces.
Even after her death, she is found to have left details of her blood type, a contact number, and a request to donate the organs her body in the event of her demise, indicating she already knew the risks of her choice.
“Her funeral [on] Thursday was attended by scores of pro-democracy supporters who waved the ubiquitous three-fingered salute of resistance adopted from the ‘Hunger Games’ movies.” The Los Angeles Times wrote.
Both women were seen as threats to the power structure of the junta. Their only crime is that they held democratic ideals in a high regard. Suu Kyi’s arrest and Sin’s death will only further convince the Burmese people why their defiance is only right. (JT)