On Tuesday, Myanmar’s military junta observed a national “moment of silence” to mourn the victims of Friday’s earthquake, with the death toll surpassing 2,700 and expected to rise further. However, this gesture has sparked accusations of hypocrisy, as disaster relief efforts have been severely hindered by the junta’s actions.
Doctors on the ground have reported that the military is blocking aid from reaching affected areas. In some cases, military officials are allegedly confiscating supplies, which are then sold on the black market. Furthermore, the junta is preventing aid and workers from entering regions under rebel control, despite ceasefires declared by several rebel groups, including the National Unity Government and the Three Brotherhood Alliance (which consists of the Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and Ta’ang National Liberation Army).
The junta’s ongoing airstrikes against rebel-controlled regions have further complicated relief efforts. As the country grapples with both the aftermath of the disaster and the ongoing conflict, the situation remains dire for many in Myanmar.
Myanmar’s military (EPA Images pic) Via FMT
