This latest crushing of NLD and other opposition parties also makes it more difficult for the junta to build public goodwill, said Prof Lamb, a former Australian Ambassador to Myanmar from 1986 to 1989.
“The NLD, whether registered or not, will continue to be a serious force in the country’s political future, as would the other 39 parties that have been deregistered,” he told CNA’s Asia Now.
BLOODSHED EXPECTED TO CONTINUE
Observers expect the bloodshed to continue, saying the junta’s violent reaction to peaceful protests fuelled the armed resistance.
“Because the regime cracked down so brutally on those peaceful protesters, many people felt they had no other choice but to join the resistance movement… (and has) only driven further support for the resistance,” said Prof Fink.
When Myanmar’s military seized power, citizens responded with non-violent strikes and street rallies in protest of the takeover.
