I. Introduction: A Nation in Fear 
Myanmar, also known as Burma, has endured decades of military dominance, but the coup of February 2021 plunged the country into one of its darkest chapters. The military junta’s brutal crackdown on political dissent, civil society, and ethnic minorities has created an atmosphere of constant fear. For countless Burmese citizens, asylum abroad has become the only avenue for safety and dignity. 

II. The Return of Military Rule 
The military, known as the Tatmadaw, seized power in 2021, overturning a fragile democratic experiment led by the National League for Democracy (NLD). The coup not only dismantled elected governance but also reversed years of incremental progress towards civilian rule, reinstating the junta’s dominance over every aspect of life. 

III. Widespread Crackdowns on Protesters 
Mass protests erupted nationwide in response to the coup, but the military responded with overwhelming violence. Live ammunition, mass arrests, and arbitrary killings became commonplace as security forces targeted demonstrators. The scale of repression shocked the world, but inside Myanmar, it entrenched the climate of terror. 

IV. Persecution of Political Leaders and Activists 
Elected officials, pro-democracy leaders, and activists have been detained in droves. Aung San Suu Kyi, once a symbol of democratic hope, remains under house arrest facing dubious charges designed to silence her. Grassroots activists and student leaders face long prison sentences, torture, or even execution. 

V. Media and Free Expression Crushed 
Independent journalism has been virtually eliminated. Media outlets critical of the junta have been shut down, and journalists face imprisonment for covering protests or exposing human rights abuses. Social media is heavily monitored, with citizens risking arrest for online criticism of the regime. 

VI. Suppression of Civil Society 
Civil society organisations, including humanitarian and human rights groups, are subject to harassment and dissolution. NGOs face restrictive laws, raids, and surveillance, leaving few safe spaces for citizens to organise or demand accountability. 

VII. Ethnic Minorities Targeted 
The Tatmadaw continues to target ethnic minority communities, particularly in Kachin, Karen, Shan, and Rakhine states. Villages are burned, civilians displaced, and religious leaders persecuted. These campaigns echo decades of ethnic repression, compounding the current crisis. 

VIII. Arbitrary Arrests and Torture 
Arbitrary arrests are now routine, with prisons overcrowded by political detainees. Reports from former prisoners reveal widespread torture, sexual violence, and inhumane conditions. The fear of detention drives thousands to flee the country in search of asylum. 

IX. Impact on Families 
Repression extends beyond individuals to their families. Relatives of activists are harassed, detained, or blacklisted, creating additional pressure on dissidents to flee abroad. This collective punishment highlights the junta’s determination to eliminate opposition at all levels. 

X. Migration as a Necessity 
With no safe avenues for dissent, migration has become a lifeline. Asylum seekers frequently cite political persecution, arbitrary arrests, and fear of violence as their reasons for fleeing. For many Burmese, exile represents not just survival but also a chance to continue advocating for democracy. 

XI. The Role of the Diaspora 
Myanmar’s diaspora communities, particularly in Thailand, Malaysia, and Western countries, have become central to supporting those fleeing persecution. They provide humanitarian aid, advocacy, and platforms to keep international attention focused on the junta’s abuses. 

XII. Conclusion: Exile as Resistance 
Military rule and violent crackdowns in Myanmar leave citizens with little choice but to seek asylum abroad. Until the junta relinquishes its grip on power and respects human rights, the exodus will continue. For those who flee, exile becomes not only a means of survival but also an act of resistance against tyranny.