By executing  political activists, Myanmar army wants to instil a sense of fear among  protestors demanding democracy

The execution of four political activists is shocking. It shows that the army generals in Myanmar have scant regard for human rights and are in no mood to restore democracy in the country. The four persons executed include highly popular Phyo Zeya Thaw, a 41-year-old lawmaker, and Kyaw Min Yu, a 53-year-old democracy. The military tribunal that gave them a death sentence did not give any scope for appeal.

The road to freedom is neither easy nor short. Myanmar which has been under the grip of the army since February when it usurped power by a coup is in turmoil. The people are on the streets to protest against the army rule and for the restoration of democracy. The judicial murders are an attempt to instill a sense of terror in the hearts of protestors. According to reports in the last year it has given a death sentence to 117 political activists that it had arrested.

The Tatmadaw, as the army of Myanmar, is called has also jailed Aung San SuuKyi for 11 years to ensure she does not become a rallying point. Nonetheless, the democratic movement in the country is getting stronger and stronger. More than 14,000 people have courted arrests and over 2,000 civilians have lost lives protesting against the army and its generals.

Now, as the people's patience is wearing thin, the peaceful protests are now turning violent. Meanwhile, the sanctions and mismanagement of the economy have led to the economy taking a nose dive and it has shrunk by almost 20% causing widespread unemployment and a rise in inflation.

Indeed no regime can last long no matter how regressive or powerful it might be if it loses people's trust and legitimacy. Tatmadaw has lost both. The corrupt and repressive army generals are more focused on preserving their authority rather than the welfare of the country. They unleashed a reign of terror on Rohingyas to polarize the Buddhist majority but now the same majority has taken cudgels against it.

What is most disturbing is that the world powers aren't doing enough to press the army for early elections and restoration of democracy. The lip service to democracy is not enough some concrete steps must be taken to end the most regressive and ruthless army regime in Myanmar. Indeed It would have been better had India played a role in giving democracy a push in the neighborhood rather than maintaining a stoic silence.