Myanmar Spring Chronicle – October 8 Scene
(MoeMaKa, October 9, 2024)
Dr. Zaw Myint Maung’s Funeral: Thousands Join in Mandalay Procession
Thousands of people from Mandalay participated in the funeral of Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, the former Chief Minister of Mandalay Region and the Deputy Chairperson of the National League for Democracy (NLD). The event, referred to as Dr. Zaw Myint Maung’s “final journey,” took place on October 8 in Mandalay, with crowds following the procession, according to reports.
During the funeral, a video recording showed Dr. Myo Nyunt reading the NLD’s official statement on behalf of the party. Along the route, motorcycles and cars joined the procession, and some could be seen paying their respects to the funeral vehicle from the sides of the road, bowing as the coffin passed by.
Dr. Zaw Myint Maung had been battling cancer since 2019. He was arrested on the day of the military coup, tried in court, and sentenced to 29 years in prison. He was detained in Mandalay’s Obo Prison, and despite receiving medical treatment at external hospitals due to health concerns, he had been in and out of prison for over three and a half years. Near the end of his life, as his condition deteriorated, the military granted him amnesty. He passed away just a day or two after being released.
At his funeral, supporters of the NLD and those opposing the military coup displayed their solidarity with the party, despite being closely monitored by military personnel and informants. The gathering showed their support for Dr. Zaw Myint Maung amidst the presence of military surveillance.
The situation mirrored the funeral of Daw Khin Kyi, the mother of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, held shortly after the 1988 uprising. Back then, thousands also joined in the procession, symbolizing opposition to the military government led by the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC).
In August 2021, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, another NLD leader, U Nyan Win, passed away after contracting the virus while imprisoned. Despite being transferred to a hospital for treatment, he succumbed to the illness.
The military coup of February 2021 was triggered by the military’s rejection of the 2020 election results, which saw a landslide victory for the NLD. In the 90 days between the November election and the coup, the military held numerous press conferences, alleging voter fraud and pressuring the NLD leadership. Eventually, they seized power. Despite their claims that it was a constitutional “caretaker” role, the military justified their actions under the 2008 constitution.
Now, over three and a half years later, the country has descended into civil war. There are ongoing armed conflicts, airstrikes, arrests, and killings. Resistance forces have gained control of around 70 to 80 cities, including a regional military headquarters and a naval base, indicating a military advantage for the opposition.
However, concerns remain about the political unity of the resistance forces, given their diverse goals and interests. This raises questions about whether a federal or confederate state can be achieved in the future.
In summary, Myanmar’s situation has drastically changed since the military coup on February 1, 2021, making it unlikely that the country can return to its pre-coup state. The future remains uncertain. Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, a key figure in the NLD’s decisions leading up to and following the 2020 election, has now passed away, leaving behind a legacy of steadfast belief in his convictions, though his goals were not realized during his lifetime.