Diary in the Abyss (36) By Uncle Tu-me
Sunset in Troubled Times
Dear Diary,
Yesterday, a glimmer of hope arrived in the form of my friend’s family, who managed to escape the horrors of war in Lashio. They safely reached May City with the added responsibility of caring for their elderly mother. Her frail health required them to halt for a brief respite at a local guesthouse in May City.
As the night unfolded, we received disheartening reports of ongoing conflicts in the Lashio region. The ominous prediction looms that May City, much like Lashio, might fall into the clutches of the ongoing turmoil. The 27th of this month marked a momentous occasion in the Spring Revolution, with supporters hailing the military victory of the “three northern brothers,” aptly named Operation 1027. This victory signifies their unwavering commitment to the revolution and their determination to stand against the forces led by Min Aung Hlaing.
It appears that Min Aung Hlaing’s troops had no choice but to relinquish control over key strategic routes, including the Lashio-Muse Road and Lashio-Chin Shwe Ha Road. The Mandalay-Myitkyina road had long eluded their grasp, signifying a gradual withdrawal from northern Myanmar.
In a recent announcement by the three brothers, they highlighted China’s stance on cracking down on gambling syndicates and the people’s quest for success in the Spring Revolution. This suggests a willingness to cooperate with China and underscores their commitment to the revolutionary cause.
All these events combined paint a stark picture of Min Aung Hlaing’s declining power, further isolating him from public support.
Amidst these developments, as I absorb the weight of these news items, the evening is upon us. At the top of our road, our community has come together to serve free fish soup to everyone. They’ve kindly requested my assistance. The path leading there is treacherous, muddied from the previous night’s rain, making each step a challenge. With the aid of a walking stick for balance, I carried fried food to contribute to those in greater need.
We find ourselves navigating a tumultuous period in history, witnessing the sunset of life in this dark age. This is my life, etched against the backdrop of these challenging times.
Yours sincerely, Uncle Tu-me 29/10/23