Burma’s Tatmadaw: Enemies within
By Htet Aung Kyaw
March 26,2002- Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
On March 27 of 57 years ago, General Aung San, the then commander of the Burma Independent Army (BIA) declared zero hour against the Japanese invaders and called on the people to ''find and attack the nearest enemy''. In the history of Burma, the day became to be known as ''Anti-Fascist Revolution Day''.
But the current military junta celebrates the day as Tatmadaw (Armed Forces) Day and the head of the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) Senior General Than Shwe will most probably give a similar speech tomorrow to his troops that Burmese armed forces have to ''find and attack the nearest enemy''. But who is the enemy? Not definitely the foreign intruders?
Since last year, the commander of the Burmese Tatmadaw has been calling frequently on his troops to be relentless and cautious with the enemies within the country. Many observers thought that the General was referring to the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
But when the news of the arrest of U Ne Win's family members on March 9 for planning a coup from the current military leadership broke out, the observers realized the meaning of Than Shwe's message.
According to Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, deputy chief of Military Intelligence Service (MIS), the Burmese authorities had arrested more than 100-military officers who were allegedly involved in the abortive coup. The country's air force chief, police chief, two regional military commanders and many intelligence officials were included among those arrested.
Obviously, the Tatmadaw is now facing the great challenge of infighting and disunity between the MIS and the front-line troops. The first secretary of the SPDC, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt controls the intelligence service while the council's vice chairman General Maung Aye commands the army.
According to some political analysts and exiled activists, the MIS chief Khin Nyunt wants to negotiate with the NLD as he had dealt with 17-armed ethnic groups in cease-fire agreements, while Commander Maung Aye wants to “annihilate” all democracy dissidents. But since the coup was uncovered, it is not clear yet that what is the Khin Nyunt's real situation! It is a known fact that he has had very closed relations with former dictator General Ne Win’s family, particularly with the favorite daughter Sandar Win.
Moreover, there is a question unanswered left that which faction belongs to Kyaw Win who seems to be a key person of discovery (of the coup plot)? He is also a key player in the so-called national reconciliation process with the NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Observers pointed out that he might actually belong to the Chairman Than Shwe.
Whatever it is, it is now clear for once and all that Burma’s Tatmadaw has “Enemies Within” and we will have to wait and see “who will annihilate who” and “who will attack who’s nearest enemy”.
Htet Aung Kyaw is a correspondent for Democratic Voice of Burma.