Life under Burmese military rule
To complete our series on Burma, we bring you an interview with an ethnic Burmese man, translated by his english speaking son. For his own protection his identity has been concealed. He says Burma was a good place to live after independence in 1942. There was sufficient food, good quality free education, religious tolerance, peace and the freedom to enjoy life. “John” says since the left-wing military took control some 45 years ago, many people struggle to make enough income for basics like food, and proper schooling is only available to those who can afford a tutor. He says forced labour is a frequent occurence. “John” fears that if he and his family flee Burma, there will be no-one to care for those who can’t stand up to the military. Religious persecution is also a constant factor for the Chin ethnic minority, which has been predominantly Christian for more than a century.