Why are Aung San statues disappearing across Myanmar?

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Aung San Statues Disappear Amidst Contested Legacy and Political Power Struggle

Statues of Myanmar's independence hero, Aung San, are being removed across the country, a development seen as part of a broader political struggle over his legacy. While the current government, led by coup leader Min Aung Hlaing, claims the removals are due to statues having "incorrect proportions and shapes," analysts suggest these actions are an attempt to erase a symbol closely associated with Aung San Suu Kyi, the detained democracy figurehead and Aung San's daughter, from public spaces. This contest over historical memory underscores the military junta's efforts to diminish the influence of Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) party.
Government Cites Inaccurate Proportions for Statue Removals

The Myanmar government has publicly stated that statues of Aung San are being reviewed and addressed if they exhibit "incorrect proportions and shapes." A government spokeswoman indicated that a review of Aung San statues in over 100 townships had identified features deemed inconsistent with the dignity of the historical figure. These efforts, described as "systematic maintenance," aim to prevent disrespect and ensure that future generations can engage with Myanmar's heritage in a correct manner.
Analysts View Removals as Erasure of Suu Kyi's Symbolism

Beyond the official explanation, analysts interpret the disappearance of these statues as a strategic move to sever the connection between Aung San and his daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi. During the NLD's period in power from 2016 to 2020, numerous statues of Aung San were erected, alongside the reintroduction of his image on currency, which was seen as an effort to revive his historical legacy. The current military government, which ousted Suu Kyi in a 2021 coup, is reportedly focused on making her and the NLD "politically irrelevant," and the removal of her father's prominent symbols from public view aligns with this objective.
Historical Context and Ethnic Minority Perspectives

Aung San, who fought for Myanmar's independence and was assassinated on July 19, 1947, is widely regarded as the father of modern Myanmar. However, his legacy is primarily celebrated by the ethnic majority Bamar elites. Researcher Morgan Michaels notes that ethnic minority groups, who have historically contended with central rule, have sometimes viewed the erection of Aung San statues with skepticism, perceiving them as symbols of Bamar dominance. Some politicians from these minority groups have also accused the NLD of erecting statues primarily for political gain during their tenure, suggesting that their era has concluded.
Public Reaction and Enduring Memory

Despite the physical removal of the statues, there is a sentiment among some citizens that Aung San's image and legacy cannot be entirely erased. One Yangon resident expressed that while statues can be taken down, "they can never erase Bogyoke’s image," referring to Aung San by his honorific title. This sentiment highlights the deep-seated respect for Aung San as Myanmar's independence hero, with many seeing his legacy as continuing through his daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi, even as the current regime attempts to diminish their public presence.

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Why are Aung San statues disappearing across Myanmar?

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