Military Council Responds to Removal of Aung San Statue Across Myanmar, Citing Disproportionate and Incorrect Forms

Yangon, July 10 The spokesperson for Min Aung Hlaing, the junta leader, has responded to the ongoing removal of Aung San statues across Myanmar, which were erected during the National League for Democracy (NLD) government's administration, stating that the statues are being removed due to "disproportionate and incorrect forms and shapes." In a statement released via the Telegram social network, junta spokesperson Khine Khine So stated that while some media outlets are reporting the removal of Aung San statues, it is not the case that all Aung San statues are being removed. She explained that only statues with disproportionate and incorrect forms are being reviewed and addressed in accordance with the 1962 Historical Figures Memorial Law. Khine Khine So stated that from April 1, 2016, to the present, Aung San statues in over 100 townships have been reviewed. She found that the proportions, forms, and artistic expressions of some statues were inconsistent with the dignity of a historical figure. Therefore, to preserve Aung San's historical dignity, ensure memorial statues are appropriately placed, and allow future generations to study historical heritage correctly, a systematic review and action are being taken. However, according to information compiled by the Yangon Khit Thit News Agency, the military council has been continuously removing bronze statues of Aung San and national heroes erected during the NLD government's tenure across the country, with at least over 20 bronze statues removed to date. Local residents reported that the Aung San statue in Myaung-U town, Magway Region, disappeared on the night of July 5, during a power outage in the town. It was only discovered the following afternoon that the statue was gone, and its whereabouts remain unknown. In Zigon town, western Bago Region, local residents reported that military troops used three backhoe loaders to demolish and remove bronze statues of Aung San and national heroes on the night of July 6. The military secured the area near the statue at the intersection of the Yangon-Pyay road before demolishing and transporting the statues with backhoes, according to locals. The Aung San statue in front of the City Hall in Shwepyitha Township, Yangon Region, was also removed on the night of July 3, and its current location is still unknown. In Kanma town, Tharrawaddy District, Magway Region, around 10 PM on July 5, while the entire town was without electricity, a group of individuals, with security provided by the General Administration Department and the police force, used crowbars and hammers to demolish the Aung San statue next to the football field and transported it away in a truck, according to local residents. In Taunggyi town, on the night of July 5, military troops removed the bronze statues of Aung San and all nine national heroes from the Martyrs' Square in Aung San Park. This Martyrs' Square was built during the NLD government's tenure, and the 9-foot-tall bronze statue of Aung San and the statues of the other eight national heroes were cast by the Chan Thar Aung Bronze Casting Works in Mandalay. Furthermore, local residents reported that the military council has also continuously removed Aung San statues in Yeji town, Magway Region; Maubin Township, Ayeyarwady Region; Kyaukpyu town; Toungoo Township, Yangon Region; and Thaketa Township. Prior to this, it was reported that the military council had continuously removed and demolished Aung San statues and memorial squares in Ye-U town, Sagaing Region; Toungoo town, Bago Region; Pobbathiri Township, Naypyidaw; Bago town; Pathein town; and Sagaing town, Mandalay Region. According to confirmed information to date, the military council has removed or destroyed at least over 20 bronze statues of Aung San and national heroes, including the nine statues of the nine national heroes in Taunggyi town. Local residents stated that the military council has instructed the continued removal of Aung San and national hero statues built during the NLD government's tenure across the country before the upcoming Martyrs' Day, leading to increased criticism and dissatisfaction among the public in various regions. According to investigations by the Yangon Khit Thit News Agency, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing instructed the final removal and demolition of Aung San statues and political memorials built during the NLD government's tenure during the meeting of regional and state chief ministers held in Naypyidaw on June 25 and 26.