The political instability and violence in Myanmar following the military coup five years ago have deeply affected the lives of its citizens, especially the youth, who express fear and uncertainty about their future in recent interviews.
The article investigates the profound effects of the military coup in Myanmar that occurred on February 1, 2021, and the subsequent five years of political instability and armed conflict that have left its citizens facing fear and loss. Interviews with young people in their 20s and 30s reveal their experiences of anxiety and constant vigilance as they navigate life under military rule, marked by violence and uncertainty. Many express the daily dread of possible conscription into the armed forces as they try to maintain a semblance of normalcy in their lives.
One interviewee, Nay Lin, a 37-year-old man from Mandalay, discusses the impacts of ongoing civil war on commuting and personal safety, emphasizing that a daily routine can be fraught with danger due to the risk of being forcibly recruited by the armed forces. He reflects on his own traumatic experience of witnessing torture during captivity, indicating a climate of fear that permeates daily life. Another young individual, Helen, a 22-year-old displaced by the conflict, shares her fears about being conscripted along with her brother, highlighting the increasing reports of casualties among recruits sent to the frontlines.
The uncertainty regarding the future looms large for the youth of Myanmar, who are increasingly discussing opportunities to leave the country amidst the despair of reduced chances for meaningful prospects. Helen's sentiments resonate with many in her demographic, who fear stagnation and loss of available opportunities in the face of ongoing turmoil. The interviews collectively paint a picture of a generation grappling not only with the present challenges but also a profoundly uncertain future amid the military's continued rule and violence.
