“Burma: The Heart of Resilience, Where Freedom and Dreams Never Fade”

Burma officially changed its name to Myanmar in 1989 under the ruling military junta, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). The change was part of a broader effort by the regime to replace colonial-era names with ones that were seen as more inclusive of the country’s diverse ethnic groups.

Reasons for the Name Change

1. Colonial History:
   • The name “Burma” was derived from the Bamar, the dominant ethnic group in the country. Critics argued that it excluded the many other ethnic minorities in the nation.
   • “Myanmar” is derived from the classical name Myanma, which is considered more inclusive and representative of the country as a whole.
2. Political Legitimacy:
   • The junta sought to distance itself from colonial legacies and assert its authority by renaming the country and various places, such as the capital city from Rangoon to Yangon.

International Reactions

• Many countries and organizations, including the United Nations, adopted the name “Myanmar” following the official change.
• However, several Western countries, including the United States and United Kingdom, continued to use “Burma” for decades, as they did not recognize the legitimacy of the military junta that imposed the change.

Current Usage

1. Myanmar:
   • Officially used by the government and in most international contexts, including by the UN and ASEAN.
2. Burma:
   • Still used colloquially and in political contexts by some opposition groups and governments, such as the U.S. State Department, especially when referring to the pre-1989 period or rejecting the junta’s legitimacy.

The Struggles of Burmese People: Daily Life Amidst Political Turmoil, Poverty, and Inequality

The people of Myanmar (Burma) face unimaginable hardships every single day. Political instability, crushing poverty, and deep wealth inequality make daily life a struggle for many. Here’s a look at how these challenges impact the everyday lives of Burmese citizens:

1. Political Turmoil: Fear and Uncertainty

• Military Junta Rule: Since the 2021 military coup, Myanmar has been under the brutal rule of a military dictatorship. Ordinary citizens live in constant fear of the military’s oppressive power, as protests are met with violence and imprisonment.
• Freedom of Speech: The government controls the media, and people live in constant fear of being arrested for expressing dissent or sharing information on social media.
• Displacement: Many Burmese have fled their homes due to violent crackdowns, with thousands living in refugee camps, unsure of when they’ll be able to return.

2. Poverty: A Daily Struggle for Survival

• Economic Collapse: Since the coup, Myanmar’s economy has been in freefall. Businesses are closing, and job opportunities are scarce. Many people struggle to afford basic needs like food, medicine, and shelter.
• Rural Poverty: Most of Myanmar’s population lives in rural areas where access to education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure is limited. People rely on agriculture, but with worsening climate change and unstable politics, even farming has become more difficult.
• Limited Access to Resources: Lack of clean water, electricity, and health facilities are common. The people are often forced to make do with what little they have, living in conditions that would be unimaginable in more developed countries.

3. Inequality in Wealth: A Divided Nation

• The Super-Rich vs. The Rest: Wealth inequality in Myanmar is extreme. A small elite controls much of the country’s wealth, while the majority of citizens live in poverty. The gap between the rich and poor is growing wider, with little to no opportunity for upward mobility.
• Urban vs. Rural Divide: The wealthier classes in cities like Yangon live relatively comfortable lives, but rural areas suffer from severe underdevelopment. Many rural citizens are forced to migrate to cities, hoping for better opportunities, but they often end up living in slums.

4. Health & Education Struggles

• Health Crisis: Due to the political instability, hospitals and clinics are overwhelmed or lack supplies. Many Burmese cannot afford medical care, leaving them vulnerable to diseases, including COVID-19.
• Education System in Crisis: Schools have been closed in many areas, especially with military crackdowns targeting students. Children in rural regions often have little to no access to education, and even in cities, many families cannot afford to send their children to school.

5. Lack of Basic Human Rights

• Human Rights Violations: The military junta is notorious for its human rights violations, including the targeting of ethnic minorities, arbitrary arrests, and torture. Ordinary people live under constant threat of violence, with no guarantee of safety, even in their own homes.
• No Freedom to Protest: Attempts to protest are met with brutal force. Activists, journalists, and civilians alike are arrested or killed for standing up for their rights.

What Keeps the Burmese Going?

Despite these immense challenges, the people of Myanmar are resilient. They continue to find ways to support one another, whether it’s through underground movements, community gatherings, or solidarity efforts. Many Burmese hold on to hope that one day, their country will be free from oppression and that justice will prevail.

In Conclusion:

The struggles faced by Burmese people are a direct result of years of political chaos, economic mismanagement, and inequality. For many, survival is a daily challenge, but their strength, solidarity, and perseverance keep them fighting for a better future. The world must not forget their plight and should continue to support the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of freedom, dignity, and justice.

CRIME IN BURMA AND HOW USELESS MILITARY IS TO ITS PEOPLE – TORTURE AND KILL NOT SERVE AND PROTECT

​The people of Myanmar (Burma) continue to endure severe hardships due to ongoing political turmoil, widespread violence, and deepening poverty. Since the military coup in February 2021, the ruling junta has been implicated in numerous human rights abuses, including mass killings, arbitrary arrests, and suppression of dissent.​Human Rights Watch

📍 Notable Incidents of Violence and Civilian Deaths

• Pinlaung Massacre (March 2023): In Namneng village, Shan State, Myanmar Army troops killed at least 30 civilians, including three Buddhist monks. Victims showed signs of torture, and many had been executed at close range. ​Wikipedia
• Airstrikes on Civilian Areas: The military has conducted unlawful airstrikes harming civilians in operations against opposition groups. These attacks have destroyed schools, homes, and places of worship. ​Human Rights Watch
• Operation 1027 (Late 2023): In response to armed resistance, the military unlawfully killed, arbitrarily detained, and looted from civilians. Amnesty International has called for investigations into these actions as potential war crimes. ​Amnesty International

🛑 Military Inaction and Suppression

Despite escalating violence and humanitarian crises, the military junta has prioritized its own survival over addressing the needs of the populace. Reports indicate that the military has intensified killings and torture of civilians, aiming to silence opposition. Furthermore, the junta has obstructed humanitarian aid, exacerbating the suffering of displaced populations. ​Al JazeeraAmnesty International

⚖️ International Response

The international community has condemned the junta’s actions, with calls for investigations into crimes against humanity. However, the military continues to access weapons and funds, enabling ongoing repression. ​Reuters

The situation in Myanmar remains dire, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict. Continued international attention and pressure are crucial to address the humanitarian crisis and hold perpetrators accountable.