Of monks and superstitions: Myanmar's military and militancy

New Delhi 

There have been reports of fresh violence and gun fight between Myanmar military and People's Defence Force (PDF) at Witok village and near Lallim along India-Myanmar border. These are happening from time to time since February coup in that country.

The 'Myanmafication' was a term used by Gustaaf Houtman, a writer and anthropologist of repute, to denote the multi-layered policy pursued by the military Generals to reinvent the concept of an unified Myanmar'.

But when it comes to Generals in Myanmar including the incumbent military ruler Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, there is an unusual but common thread of superstitions.

The unpopular military power grab by most if not all generals had also tried to lay emphasis on the country's cultural heritage and 'national character'.  

  Myanmar's coup maker Gen Min Aung Hlaing/Asia Times

Time and again the military coups coming in irrespective of what the international community

thinks about the country do not seem to bother much. One reason for this, according to

experts and analysts in Delhi or elsewhere is, that authoritarianism forms an important

part of Myanmar's national character.

Thus, the generals get repeated opportunities to rule for long.

However, observers also say that the country also has had "a long line of superstitious military dictators 

renowned for their erratic behavior", as goes an article in 'Asia Times'.

Now, let us sample a few of them in today's context and what the incumbent Senior General 

Min Aung Hlaing has been doing and speaking out.

In May 2021, three months after the coup,  Min Aung Hlaing said at a meeting with health officials 

that “walking is the best and cheapest form of exercise".

There have been other 'incoherent ramblings' by him, as reported by 'Asia Times' that raised questions 

among many observers about the coup leader’s mental health. 

Min Aung Hlaing and his wife Kyu Kyu Hla are known to be close to one monk and occult practitioner, 

Ashin Kovida, also known as Vasipake Sayadaw.

Now some of his predecessors. 

General Ne Win, the country’s dictator from 1962 to 1988, was a firm believer in Yadaya, a traditional way 

of attempting to 'control one’s fate' through the use of charms and combinations of lucky numbers.

It was reported that in September 1987, influenced by his belief in mystic numerology, he ordered the introduction of 45 and 90 kyat banknotes while demonetizing pre-existing notes because the digits four and five added up to his 'lucky number nine'.

Sein Lwin, who ruled for only 17 days in 1988 — was told by his astrologer that he would be shot. 

To neutralize that threat, Sein Lwin shot his 'own image' in a mirror.

General Saw Maung, who became the country’s dictator after the 1988 uprising, also had become increasingly erratic in his behavior.

Saw Maung’s reference to himself as a powerful warrior-king 'Kyansittha' of the ancient Pagan empire was seen as eccentric. Kyansittha’s name is interpreted as “the remaining soldier” or “the one who was left behind”.

Some of these 'eccentric' behaviour at the leadership level definitely had an impact down the line too.

Myanmar's 'Tatmadaw' - originally given for defence forces - has a unique position. But today it is generally used for 'army' and its leadership. But rivalries, factions and cliques work within the officer corps.

According to an Australian expert on Myanmar affairs, even during the 1990s and at the later stage, there were bitter rivalries between intelligence wing and combat officers. In fact, in 2004, Gen Khin Nyunt heading the intelligence wing was arrested and the entire intelligence corps disbanded by Gen Maung Aye.

Indian agencies are now engaged in gathering information and analysing things in the perspective of 2021-22 and the geo-politics of the near future.

Myanmar and India share a 1,600 kilometer-long porous border and the mountainous terrain does make it easy for 'rebel fighters and dissidents' to remain unchecked and undetected by authorities.

Myanmar’s Sagaing region has always helped Naga rebels and groups from Manipur and ULFA.

Some India-based groups are again trying to enlist covert and overt strategic 'support' from military junta.

On this backdrop, it is worth taking note that the Zomi Revolutionary Army run by Chin-Mizo groups 

had attacked a Myanmar military camp in the Tedim region in September.

Things have been taken note in both the countries. 

India favours keeping close watch on the emerging situation in Myanmar where China is trying to make 

deeper inroads. Last month Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla's visit was an important event in 

the geo-political context, sources say.  

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