Must Choose a Different Path-Mizzima-Sept 29
Inspired by an interview with Arakan Army Commander General Tun Mrat Naing, this reflection examines Myanmar’s crossroads: Will the country’s future be decided by preserving communities and creating lasting peace, or by the logic of annihilation that has left it on the “path to self-destruction”? As violence intensifies, two opposing philosophies shape Myanmar’s fate. The resistance, under leaders like General Tun Mrat Naing, has consciously focused on preserving habitats and protecting livelihoods even while fighting off military assaults. By keeping schools open, clinics functioning, and markets alive—often under fire—these groups show what liberation truly means: resilience, hope, and the capacity to govern in a way that the junta cannot. In contrast, military strategy is defined by “scorched earth”—airstrikes and artillery on civilian structures, burning of farmland, and destruction of vital infrastructure. This is no accident: the regime’s aim is to make liberated regions uninhabitable, so resistance forces cannot demonstrate competent, inclusive governance. The result? Over three million displaced, thousands dead, and millions more living with trauma and deprivation. This is not victory; it is social and environmental destruction. If Myanmar is to emerge from this era of destruction into one of hope, the fundamental choice could not be clearer: will the country and its neighbors double down on policies that have proven so catastrophic—or will they finally embrace a path of preservation, unity, and reconciliation for the benefit of all? The future depends on that answer. https://eng.mizzima.com/2025/09/29/26786
