Myanmar’s Military Leader Returns Following Bimstec Summit
PUBLISHED: 5 Apr 2025 at 11:12
The recent earthquake in Myanmar has resulted in a tragic death toll of 3,354, with 4,850 reported injuries and 220 individuals still missing, according to state media reports. The United Nations’ aid chief commended local humanitarian and community organizations for their proactive response to this disaster.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military government, has returned to Naypyitaw after attending a South and Southeast Asian summit in Bangkok. During this trip, he engaged in discussions with leaders from Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and India.
In talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Min Aung Hlaing reaffirmed the junta’s intention to conduct “free and fair” elections in December, as stated by Myanmar’s state media.
Prime Minister Modi urged the military to establish a permanent ceasefire in Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict and emphasized the need for elections to be “inclusive and credible,” according to an Indian foreign affairs spokesperson.
However, critics have condemned the planned elections, suggesting they are merely a façade to maintain military control through proxy candidates.
Since the military coup that ousted the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, governance in Myanmar has deteriorated significantly, leading to economic collapse and severe shortages in essential services, including healthcare. The recent earthquake on March 28 has only intensified these challenges.
The conflict resulting from the coup has forcibly displaced over 3 million people, with the United Nations reporting widespread food insecurity and over one-third of the population in urgent need of humanitarian support.
UN aid chief Tom Fletcher visited Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city located near the earthquake’s epicenter, praising local aid efforts. He highlighted the resolve and bravery of humanitarian workers who risked their own safety to assist victims, stating, “Many themselves lost everything, and yet kept heading out to support survivors.”
Furthermore, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has indicated that the junta is interfering with aid distribution in areas that oppose its rule. The office is currently investigating 53 reported incidents of military aggression against dissenters, including airstrikes following the declaration of a ceasefire earlier this week.
A spokesperson from the junta did not respond to inquiries regarding these allegations.
