In News:

• The Security Council released a statement condemning the executions and calling for the immediate release of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
• This statement highlights a rare consensus on the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.

What’s in Today’s Article:

• Myanmar Coup – About, military constitution of Myanmar
• News Summary

Myanmar Coup

• In February 2021, Myanmar's military had seized power after detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratically elected leaders.
• Army seized control following a general election in which Ms Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party won by a landslide (80% votes)-even better than in 2015.
• Military alleged that the recent landslide election win by NLD was marred by fraud.
• In the past, Myanmar was ruled by the armed forces from 1962 until 2011. However, in 2011, a new government began ushering in a return to civilian rule.
  • Myanmar, under military government, drafted a constitution in 2008 which formed the basis of power transition in 2011

Myanmar’s military Constitution

• Myanmar’s constitution, farmed under the military government, ensures role and supremacy of military in national affairs.
• Under its provisions, the military reserves for itself 25% of seats in both Houses of Parliament, to which it appoints serving military officials.
• The constitution allows formation of a political party which is proxy to the military. In other words, indirectly, Military can contest election in Myanmar.
  • Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in Myanmar is backed by military.
• Article 417 of Myanmar Constitution allows the military to take control over the nation in times of emergency. This clause is often termed as coup mechanism in waiting.

Background:

• Recently, Myanmar’s military announced that it had executed four pro-democracy activists and political prisoners.
• Out of the four persons executed, two were leading political leaders who opposed the junta. These two were executed citing counterterrorism charges.
  • Two other people were executed after they were convicted of killing a woman who they reportedly thought was a military informer.
• The political executions of these activists were the first in many decades for Myanmar.
• Experts believe that, through these executions, the military wants to send a message to other citizens – and to the world – that it is in charge.

News Summary

• In a rare consensus on the post-coup crisis, the UN Security Council has condemned the Myanmar junta’s execution of four prisoners.
• The statement was endorsed by Russia and China — the junta’s two major allies that have previously shielded it at the UN — as well as neighbouring India.

India’s stand on the execution

• India expressed deep concern over the execution of four pro-democracy activists by Myanmar's military government.
• It asserted that the rule of law and democratic process must be upheld in the country.
• Many critics say that the execution has met with strong objection by the international community. However, India has so far said it is concerned about the situation in Myanmar.

Why India is careful in reacting to this situation?

• India is in the process of establishing ties with the Myanmar junta. Criticising the junta will only push Myanmar closer to China.
• Myanmar is strategically located with a strong China influence as it has invested heavily in infrastructure projects.
• Also, Myanmar is geographically significant for India as it shares border with north eastern states.
• Myanmar is the only ASEAN country adjoining India and is therefore an important gateway to South East Asia.
• Myanmar is a key component of India’s ambitions at bridging South Asia and South-East Asia through BIMSTEC.