During the 78th Martyrs’ Day ceremony in Yangon, military council leader Min Aung Hlaing, while keeping Aung San Suu Kyi – daughter of martyred leader General Aung San – under detention, spoke about pursuing Myanmar’s development to stand alongside other nations of the world, as envisioned by General Aung San. He made these remarks during an interview with military-controlled media outlets.
Min Aung Hlaing stated that General Aung San sacrificed his life for Myanmar’s independence and had a vision of building Myanmar into a nation that could stand equally with other countries in the world. He emphasized that all Myanmar citizens need to work together in unity to achieve this goal. However, he insisted that this should be done within a disciplined system, warning that operating without rules and regulations could pose dangers to the country. He called for all ethnic brothers and sisters to work together in unity following the path that General Aung San had envisioned.
However, on the same Martyrs’ Day, the military forces conducted airstrikes in various locations across multiple regions and states. These attacks targeted areas including Natmauk Township in Magway Region – the birthplace of General Aung San, areas between Laymyethna and Ingapu Townships in Ayeyarwady Region, Palaw Township in Tanintharyi Region, and Hsipaw Township in Northern Shan State. These airstrikes resulted in civilian casualties and extensive damage to homes and buildings. These actions stand in direct contradiction to Min Aung Hlaing’s statements and represent actions that oppose genuine unity and development. The military’s violent actions against civilians on such a historically significant day demonstrate the stark contrast between their words and actions, undermining any claims of working towards national unity and development.
