Halt

A new education law last September led to university student protests here over the lack of independence granted to universities by the bill. Students want a decentralized curriculum, the right to form unions, and the chance to be taught in ethnic languages.

Myanmar’s government always worries about student gatherings, regardless of the topic, because campus issues in the past have led to demonstrations over larger social problems. Already in this case Buddhist nationalists have weighed in, saying they oppose the mother tongue provision. Partly they may fear an increase in the amount of respect and freedom given to Muslims and ethnic groups here.

The military says that students cause “instability” in the country. The students say that the status quo is the problem. Starting two months ago, a group of students marched from Mandalay, headed for Yangon. Their march was interrupted by police in a small town called Letpadan, about 80 miles north of the city.

By then the government had offered to discuss amendments to the law. About 200 students remained skeptical that negotiations would lead anywhere. They chose to challenge the blockade. On March 10th, just before noon, initial restraint gave way to violence. After a couple hours, more than 120 arrests had been made.

At around 3pm that day, riding my bicycle past the university in Yangon, I came across a long police lineup, about 100 strong, apparently anticipating sympathy protests. Though I knew the march had been stopped in Letpadan, I hadn’t heard yet about the specific events of that morning.

Social media was full of the story when I checked a few minutes later. Already people were asking how much the country’s political transition would be set back by this confrontation. This news and the speedy mobilization of police in the city may not bode well for future tests of reform.

Also, the Education Bill is not the only current legislative controversy. A package known as the “Protection of Race and Religion Bills” would create new rules regarding interfaith marriage, choice of faith, and other elements of family life.