News / More

Thousands stage anti-coup rallies in Myanmar a day after paralyzing strike

Thursday, 25 March 2021 9:08 AM [ Last Update: Thursday, 25 March 2021 9:08 AM ]

Myanmar's security forces stand guard during a demonstration by protesters against the military coup in Yangon's Hlaing Tharyar township on March 14, 2021. (Photo by AFP)

Thousands of people have taken part in several anti-coup protests across Myanmar amid calls for big demonstrations a day after a nationwide silent strike.

Witnesses and social media posts as saying that Thursday's protests took place in the commercial capital Yangon, the central city of Monywa and several other towns, Reuters reported.

“Are we united? Yes we are,” protesters shouted in Monywa.

Nant Khi Phyu Aye, one of those on the street, noted that many of the protesters were youngsters. “They want to protest every day without skipping one day,” she told Reuters.

According to the Hinthar Media Corp, police dispersed a street demonstration in Mawlamyine City and detained 20 people.

Security forces have used lethal force to quell weeks of unrest since the February 1 coup.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group said at least 286 people have been killed in the crackdown.

The military said on February 1 that it had arrested Myanmar’s ousted de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her associates over accusations of voter fraud in favor of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party in the November 2020 elections.

The military placed commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing in power and pledged to hold fresh elections in a year and hand over power to the winner but has not set a date.

The protests come amid calls by activists for big demonstrations to rock the Southeast Asian country in the wake of Wednesday's silent strike that left many businesses shut, and bustling areas of commercial hubs like Yangon and Monywa deserted.

Myanmar's junta kills 7-year-old girl, 'silent strike' hits country

“The strongest storm comes after the silence,” protest leader Ei Thinzar Maung said in a social media post.

The military takeover of power triggered widespread international condemnation.

Myanmar was ruled by the military from 1962 until 2011, when Suu Kyi ended the junta rule.

Her international reputation has been tarnished because she defended a military campaign of genocide against the minority Rohingya Muslim community in 2017.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk