Actions By Burma's Junta Causes UN World Food Program To Halt Actions

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As the death toll from Cyclone Nargis has claimed the lives of over 70,000 people, Burma’s military junta continues to make things difficult for the people of the country. Days ago before Cyclone Nargis hit the country Burma’s junta was preparing to hold polls for a referendum on May 10 in regards to a constitution for the country.

Under the constitution, the military will continue playing a role in the government. In short, Burma’s government will remain a junta. That would mean, Burma’s military would forever be in control. One could vote “No” on it. However, there is a “No” vote. There is only a “Yes” vote. One could simply opt out of voting. Unfortunately, opting out is not an option.

Burma’s junta has resorted to fear and intimidation tactics to force the people to vote on the referendum. It is similar to China’s crackdown on the protests in Tibet.

Soldiers and civil servants are ordered to vote for that charter. Back in 1990, Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy Party were supposed to take power after winning elections. However, Burma’s junta refused. Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest for 12 years.

The government threatened farmers that their land will be taken away if they didn’t vote. Military officers and officials would be stripped of their positions if the areas under their control did not cast a majority vote. Students were threatened with expulsion if they did not vote.

Cyclone Nargis could possibly spell an omen for Burma’s junta. While the UN and the rest of the international community rushed to bring foreign aid, Burma’s junta still places a harsh grip on the people.

The World Food Program of the United Nations already suspended operations to bring aid because of the act by Burma’s junta. According to the WFP, Burma’s junta had already taken it. There was no answer on why the food aid was taken away. In part of the aid were about 38 tons of high-energy biscuits. In short, about 76,000 tons of high-energy biscuits for the people were seized by Burma’s military generals.

However, the junta has refused to give visas to the foreign aid workers so they can investigate the damages. At the same time, Burma’s junta has refused assistance from the United States. But, the US is still prepared to offer food assistance. However, it will not do food drops by air unless thy get the permission from the junta.

In the wake of the cyclone and the damages, perhaps it’s a sign saying that the junta cannot continue like that. But, Burma’s junta has been blasted by the United Nations for its recent actions.

It would seem that "voting" for Burma's constitution has been interrupted by a "divine" intervention.