Myanmar Spring Chronicle – May 24 Viewpoint
MoeMaKa, May 25, 2025
Living in a Collapsed State: How Ordinary People Endure
In conversations with our parents, we often heard the phrase “back when the country collapsed.” They were referring to two traumatic eras: the Second World War, when Japanese forces invaded and ousted British colonial rule; and the early years of civil war in 1949, when the post-independence government struggled to maintain control amid armed rebellions.
The Wartime Collapse: Lessons from History
In 1942, the British colonial administration crumbled as Japanese and BIA (Burma Independence Army) forces advanced. Before these new powers could establish order, local governance disappeared. It was a time of lawlessness, described by survivors as “the collapse of the state.” Robberies, vendettas, and arbitrary killings were rampant. Even public figures like writer and administrator Theippan Maung Wa fell victim to the chaos.
Parallels to the Present: Post-Coup Lawlessness
The present situation in Myanmar, following the February 1, 2021 military coup, has drawn comparisons to those past periods. As PDFs (People’s Defense Forces) and ethnic armed groups resist the junta militarily, the breakdown of law and order has become widespread again.
Crimes such as robbery, sexual assault, and murder are frequently reported — not just by criminal gangs, but sometimes by junta troops, Pyusawhti militias, and even some resistance fighters. A notable increase in bank and gold shop robberies, ransom kidnappings, and home invasions has been recorded across the country.
Rising Violence in Cities and Towns
Even in junta-controlled towns, violent crime is on the rise. In Bago, a young student was kidnapped and murdered after a failed ransom attempt by individuals known to the family. In Mandalay’s Patheingyi Township, a young hip-hop artist was abducted and found dead days later. These are not isolated incidents.
No Justice, No Order
With the collapse of judicial and policing systems, the rule of law is virtually nonexistent. People have little recourse when crimes occur, and perpetrators often go unpunished. In junta-held areas, the government can no longer guarantee security or justice. Rural and urban residents alike now face growing insecurity.
Communities Turn to Self-Defense
In this climate of fear, communities are organizing their own protection. Neighbors look out for one another, sharing information and warning of threats. This grassroots solidarity has become the only real form of security for many.