Myanmar Junta Removes Aung San Statues in Bid to Erase Opposition Symbols

Myanmar's ruling military junta has intensified its campaign to erase symbols of opposition by removing statues of General Aung San, the nation's independence hero. Since the military coup in February 2021, at least 12 statues honoring Aung San have been dismantled across the country.

Recent actions include the removal of eight statues in June and July alone, indicating a renewed effort by the regime to suppress dissent and historical narratives associated with the ousted civilian government. The junta appears determined to reshape the country's public spaces and historical memory to consolidate its power.

These removals are part of a wider crackdown that has targeted numerous aspects of Myanmar's political and cultural landscape since the military seized control. The targeting of Aung San statues, a revered figure across Myanmar, suggests a strategic attempt by the junta to sever ties with the legacy of the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, which heavily promoted his image.