Myanmar’s army activated a 10-year-old Conscription Law – What’s happening in Myanmar? – UPSC Current Affairs
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Introduction to Myanmar’s Conscription Law UPSC
Recently, military government in Myanmar has activated a decade old Conscription Law of the country. This development again highlighted the activities of Myanmar’s military government.
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Why military Government of Myanmar is in the news? – UPSC Current Affairs 2024
Myanmar’s military government is making headlines for activating a decade-old conscription law. This act will mandate young men and women to undergo at least two years of military service.
This move reflects the military’s struggle to suppress nationwide armed resistance against its rule, triggered by setbacks, including an offensive by armed ethnic groups and an upsurge in resistance activities.
Source – The Hindu
What is Conscription Law?
Conscription law is also known as mandatory military service. This requires eligible individuals within a certain age that may range to serve in the military for a specified period.
In the context of Myanmar’s recent news, the conscription law activated by the military government mandates young men and women to undergo at least two years of military service if called up.
The law is designed to ensure a steady supply of personnel for the armed forces during times of need or national emergencies.
Purpose
- Increase military personnel during times of war, national emergencies, or to maintain a standing army.
- Promote patriotism and national unity.
- Provide military training to citizens, potentially benefiting them with discipline, skills, and experience.
Who is affected
- Typically, individuals within a specific age range and meeting physical and mental fitness criteria.
- The range and criteria vary depending on the country and the specifics of the law.
- Some countries require conscription only for men, while others include women as well.
Background of Conscription Law
The background of conscription laws stretches back centuries, with roots in various historical contexts. Here’s a deeper dive into its development:
Ancient roots
- Early evidence of compulsory military service dates back to the Egyptian Old Kingdom (27th century BCE).
- Ancient Greece and Rome also utilized levies or militia systems requiring citizens to participate in defense.
- In feudal societies, knights and other landowning classes often had responsibilities for military service.
Modern development
- The modern system of near-universal male conscription originated during the French Revolution in the 1790s.
- This model aimed to create mass citizen armies, fueling the revolutionary wars and Napoleon’s conquests.
- Most European nations adopted similar systems in the 19th and early 20th centuries, viewing it as crucial for national defense and fostering citizenship.
World Wars and beyond
- World Wars I and II saw widespread use of conscription, mobilizing millions to fight.
- Countries like the United States and Britain, which traditionally relied on volunteers, implemented draft systems during these conflicts.
- After the wars, several nations maintained peacetime conscription, while others transitioned to professional militaries or volunteer forces.
Current variations
- Today, conscription laws exhibit significant diversity across the globe.
- Some countries, like Israel, South Korea, and Singapore, maintain mandatory service for both men and women.
- Others, like Russia and China, have selective systems primarily applying to men.
- Many Western nations, including the US and UK, currently lack peacetime conscription, relying on volunteers.
Factors influencing adoption
- National security concerns and perceived threats often drive the implementation of conscription.
- Ideological considerations related to nationalism, citizenship, and social cohesion can also play a role.
- Economic and demographic factors influence the feasibility and attractiveness of maintaining large conscript armies.
Criticisms and debates
- Conscription laws continue to generate debate, raising concerns about:
- Individual freedom versus national security needs.
- Fairness and equity in exemptions and selection processes.
- Potential psychological and physical burdens on conscripts.
- The efficiency and adaptability of conscript armies compared to professional forces.
Why Myanmar has a Military Government? – Current Political Scenario of Myanmar
The current military government in Myanmar, also known as the State Administration Council (SAC), came to power through a coup d’état on February 1st, 2021. To understand why they hold power, it’s crucial to consider historical, political, and social factors:
Historical Background
- Colonial Legacy: Myanmar, formerly Burma, gained independence from the British in 1948. However, the military played a significant role in the independence struggle and subsequent governance. This historical link created a culture of military influence.
- Military Rule Throughout Most of Its History: From 1962 to 2011, the country was ruled by military juntas, justifying their control through claims of maintaining unity and stability during internal conflicts and ethnic insurgencies. This period shaped political norms and entrenched military power.
- Partial Democratic Transition (2011-2021): In 2011, the military loosened its grip, allowing for a semi-democratic transition with elections and a civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. However, the military retained significant power through the 2008 constitution, reserving key positions and veto power.
Political and Social Factors
- Discontent with the Civilian Government: Some segments of the population, including nationalists and parts of the military, viewed the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi as corrupt and ineffective, particularly regarding ethnic conflicts and economic issues.
- Allegations of Electoral Fraud: The military used claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 elections as a pretext for the coup, despite a lack of independent verification.
- Internal Military Dynamics: Power struggles within the military and concerns about losing influence might have played a role in the decision to seize power.
Impact of the Coup
- International Condemnation: The coup has been widely condemned by the international community, leading to sanctions and calls for a return to democracy.
- Continued Protests and Conflict: Despite the junta’s crackdowns, protests and armed resistance by various groups continue, leading to ongoing instability and human rights concerns.
- Uncertain Future: The future of Myanmar is unclear. The junta maintains control through force, but faces internal challenges and international pressure.
International Reactions to Conscription Law
There are various types of reactions has been expressed on these developments-
Condemnation and concern
- The international community, including the UN, US, EU, and ASEAN, has condemned the activation of the conscription law.
Major concerns expressed include
- Potential human rights abuses: Forced conscription and mistreatment of recruits.
- Escalation of conflict: Fear that forced recruitment could fuel resistance and worsen violence.
- Undermining of democratic aspirations: Seen as a step back from efforts towards democracy.
Calls for action
- International actors have urged the junta to:
- End the violence and respect human rights
- Engage in inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders
- Release political prisoners and respect democratic principles
Increased pressure
- Existing sanctions against the junta may be tightened or expanded.
- Diplomatic efforts to isolate the regime and support the resistance may be intensified.
- Humanitarian aid delivery for civilians affected by the conflict may be prioritized.
Varying stances
- Some countries with closer ties to Myanmar, like China and Russia, have avoided strong condemnation.
- However, even these countries have expressed concern about the potential for increased instability.
- Overall, the international community’s reaction to the conscription law in Myanmar is one of strong condemnation and concern. There are calls for action to address the human rights situation, de-escalate the conflict, and promote a return to democracy.
FAQs Myanmar’s Conscription Law
Question-1: Why did Myanmar activate the conscription law?
Answer. The military junta claims it’s necessary for national defense due to the ongoing conflict with resistance groups. However, critics suspect it’s a desperate attempt to bolster their forces facing setbacks and declining morale.
Question-2: Who will be affected by the conscription law?
Answer. All men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 are potentially subject to service. However, exemptions exist for religious orders, civil servants, students, and some other categories.
Question-3: What are the international concerns about the conscription law?
Answer. Concerns include potential human rights abuses like forced conscription and mistreatment of recruits, further escalation of the conflict, and undermining of Myanmar’s democratic aspirations.
Question-4: What actions are the international community taking in response?
Answer. Calls for the junta to end violence, respect human rights, engage in dialogue, and release political prisoners are common. Increased pressure through sanctions and diplomatic efforts is also likely.
Question-5: What are the potential consequences of the conscription law?
Answer. It could lead to more human rights violations, increase resistance activities and worsen the conflict, further isolate the junta from the international community, and exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar.
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