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On Tuesday, the military junta of Myanmar extended a cease-fire after the earthquake which, according to criticism, exists only in name in the midst of an effort wading to help the victims of disaster.
The junta, who seized power in a coup in 2021 and was at war with dozens of resistance groups at the national level, initially declared a ceasefire from April 2 to 30 after the earthquake of March 28. The magnitude 7.7 Quake has devastated the central sagaing and mandalay regions and killed more than 3,700 people.
The military government said the ceasefire had been extended until the end of May [from] Damage caused by earthquakes and to develop the country’s economy and stability. »»
The junta, however, also warned that she “would take measures” against armed groups who trigger battles against the military.
Aung Thu Nyein, a member of the Myanmar Strategic Policy Institute, said the cease-fire was largely symbolic and that the junta’s attempt to divert criticism from her neighbors and other countries in Southeast and other countries.
“They just save the face for international relations. They still need help to rebuild Myanmar, “he said.
Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing visited Bangkok in mid-April, a rare foreign journey that enabled him to meet Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current president of the Southeast Asian Nations Association.
Discussions focused on humanitarian assistance. Anwar highlighted the importance of extending the ceasefire to facilitate aid deliveries and restore normality.
Critics argue that such meetings are likely to legitimize the junta, who continued military operations despite her cease-fire announcements.
The parliamentarians of the Anase for Human Rights have expressed themselves fear that engaging with the junta without demanding tangible progress towards the implementation of violence or the restoration of democracy sends a dangerous signal.
Reaction of the exiled civil government
The extension of the ceasefire was criticized by the government of the exiled civilian unity of Myanmar, or Nug, which accuses the junta of the attacks of aerial and heavy artillery.
According to NUG, the junta forces made 282 air strikes between March 28 and May 4, causing 276 civil deaths and 456 injuries – including 31 children killed and 45 injured.
The Sagaing region, the 7.7 -rebellious earthquake epicenter, received the heaviest blows, with some 73 air strikes killing 89 people and injuring 135, said NUG.
Mandalay was also touched by the natural disaster and the junta.
A resistance group, the National Army of Liberation of Ta’ang and the Allied militias have declared that they do not abandon the newly acquired territories despite the pressure of China and the junta. Some 61 air strikes killed 65 people and injured 118.
Meanwhile, Three Brotherhood Alliance, composed of the army of Arakan, the National Liberation Army of Ta’ang and the National Army of the Democratic Alliance of Myanmar, also announced a cease-fire throughout May.
Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by Tajun Kang and Stephen Wright.