YANGON, Feb 20, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Washington has urged the leaders of
Myanmar’s new military regime to refrain from violence and relinquish power,
after the death of a young anti-coup protester sparked new anger against the
junta.
Much of the country has been in uproar since troops deposed civilian
leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, with large street demonstrations in
both urban centres and isolated villages.
Security forces have responded with increasing force, deploying troops
against peaceful rallies and firing tear gas, water cannon and rubber
bullets.
Condemnation of the violence has been fierce, and US Secretary of State
Antony Blinken has held talks with allied countries in recent days to press
for a firm international response.
“We reiterate our calls on the Burmese military to refrain from violence
against peaceful protesters,” spokesman Ned Price told reporters on Friday.
“We will work with partners and allies to press the Burmese military to
reverse its actions.”
A doctor in Naypyidaw had earlier announced the first confirmed death in
the protests.
Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, who turned 20 last Thursday as she lay
unconscious in a hospital bed, was shot in the head during a demonstration in
the capital last week.
She has since become a symbol of resistance for protesters, who have
hoisted her photos high in demonstrations and even unfurled a massive banner
of artwork from a bridge showing the moment she was shot.
“We will regard you as our Martyr,” said one social media tribute to the
young grocery store worker. “We will bring justice for your loss.”
A memorial has since appeared in the streets of Yangon, with residents of
the commercial capital laying flowers and messages to the victim.
Her sister Poh Poh told reporters on Friday: “Please all join this protest
movement to be more successful. That’s all I want to say.”
– Hundreds arrested –
Nearly 550 people have been detained since the coup, according to the
Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
Among those arrested are railway workers, civil servants and bank staff
who have walked off their jobs as part of a civil disobedience campaign aimed
at crippling the army’s ability to govern.
The country emerged from its sixth straight overnight internet curfew on
Saturday, a measure imposed as neighbourhoods around the country began
setting up watch groups to guard against evening arrests.
Internet monitor Netblocks reported that Wikipedia had been blocked in the
country, joining a list of banned content that includes Facebook and other
social media services.
A small group of protesters were forcefully dispersed by police and
military wielding batons in the northern city of Myitkyina on Friday,
according to video posted online and witnesses.
One teacher at the scene said she saw dozens arrested in the scuffle,
including two of her colleagues.
“They arrested those who tried to take photos and videos,” she told AFP.
The military regime has so far weathered a chorus of international
condemnation.
The US, Britain and Canada have all announced sanctions targeting the
country’s top generals.
The junta has justified its power seizure by alleging widespread electoral
fraud in November’s elections, which Suu Kyi’s party won in a landslide.
The Nobel laureate — who has not been seen since she was detained in dawn
raids — has been hit with two charges, one of them for possessing
unregistered walkie-talkies.
Her hearing is expected on March 1.