You cannot tango with the Tatmadaw

Keeping their 'enemy' close: Suu Kyi's lack of interest in resolving the issues underlying the ethnic conflicts during NLD's first term in office was evident but various ethnic groups in Myanmar have still shown her support after the military coup. — AP

AFTER Aung San Suu Kyi's arrest following the military coup, there was an outpouring of support shown to her by various ethnic groups in Myanmar, despite her outrageously disappointing disregard for their rights. They have taken to the streets in large numbers, alongside the Bamars, reported AP, demanding a return to her civilian government. Why?

Those who hoped for an end to the long streak of military rule and consequent marginalisation of ethnic minorities in Myanmar applauded when her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), won a landslide victory in 2015. However, once she took over as the State Counsellor, her admirers were at a loss to explain her actions, which were in sharp contradiction to their expectations.