Scholar

Scholar: Rangoon wants truces only, not peace

War

The recent rejection of Rangoon’s rulers to the Thai initiated peace talks between military and the remaining armed groups showed the Burmese authorities wanted only truces but not peace, according to a renowned Burma scholar-activist. 

It also proved that the State Peace and Development Council, as the military leadership styles itself, only wanted to make separate truce with each segment and group but not collectively, said Chao Tzang Yawnghwe, 64, the Shan “guru” much sought out by the opposition movements, both Burma and non-Burman alike. “The aim is to keep (the people) divided making it difficult for (them) to assert (their) power and aspirations (but) making it easier for the SPDC to assert control and continue with its despotic and lawless behavior and actions.”

Another goal in rejecting dialogue with the rebels was because it preferred to co-opt them as cannon-fodder and build a buffer against, in particular, Thailand, he added. “The Wa resettlement along the Thai border is a case in point,” he pointed out. 

He went on to argue that transforming Burma from a sick and diseased man of Asia into a useful and contributing member of the region and the world by humoring it was not possible. “Well documented facts clearly reveals that nothing positive or productive can be done IN and FOR Burma and its people so long as the SPDC and the military is convinced that they can do to the people of Burma the things done to slaves and serfs by the lords and masters of many centuries ago,” he said. 

Though the rejection was made by Maj Gen Kyaw Win, Gen Khin Nyunt’s deputy, and Col San Bwint, another trusted lieutenant, it was generally considered as an official position by many. 

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, on his return from Burma on 10 February, had said the Burmese generals told him Thai mediation would be appreciated. A joint statement by Arakan, Chin, Karen, Karenni and Shan groups on 25 February had welcomed “the Thaksin initiative” and demanded that Rangoon talk to them collectively and not separately.