Myanmar, formerly Burma, was for a little while hopeful after it held its very first democratic elections after a long time. But it did not last long, soon after the pandemic the military declared a coup declaring that there was massive cheating after its last elections in 2021. But the people had already gained access to greater education and freedom through the internet. They were able to encounter the world outside of Myanmar.
Now years after the coup, many areas of Myanmar are now under control of different ethnic-armed organizations. Myitkyina in the northernmost part of the country remains in a very fragile situation. Fighting between the Kachin Independent Army with the assistance of many young people who have joined the Peoples’ Defense Force (PDF) continues. There would be weeks of shelling in areas around the city. In many townships, the fighting has led to many causalities even among civilians.
On the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, every September 14, a huge crowd of people would gather at the foot of the Holy Cross Mountain and climb it as a pilgrimage and devotion. Last year the Diocese decided to keep the celebrations simple at every parish. The roads to the mountain have been controlled by the Burmese army and many fear being checked and arrested.
I recently returned from Yangon to take a few days off and also to get some resources for the student center. I met many of the alumni of the Catholic Student Action Myitkyina. It was great to see them again after a long time. This group was one of the first students that joined the movement. I asked one of them, “When are you returning to Myitkyina?” He replied, “Never.” That would be the common answer for many young people who are now displaced by the ongoing war and conflict in every part of Myanmar.
These young people have only one dream and that is to leave the country. Sadly, this has led to many consequences.
These young people have only one dream and that is to leave the country. Sadly, this has led to many consequences. We are losing badly needed human resources like teachers and mentors. Even in church, I overheard one catechist ask an elderly person to learn to play the keyboard because he explained every time he trained a young person to play or when the person can already play they leave after a few months for work or abroad.