Women carry pots of flowers as they participate in a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, April 13, 2021. REUTERS / Stringer
Opponents of military rule in Myanmar witnessed a “silent attack” on Friday, with many people staying at home to mourn the more than 700 people who died in protests against a Feb. 1 coup and others in black wearing small marches in several towns and villages.
Many Myanmar residents, enraged at the return of military rule after five years of civilian rule led by Democratic champion Aung San Suu Kyi, take to the streets day in and day out with activists devising new ways to show opposition as security forces emerge. their oppression.
“Let’s stop the roads,” protest leader Ei Thinzar Maung posted on her Facebook page.
“We must hold a silent attack to show our sorrow for the martyrs who inflicted their lives. The quietest voice is the loudest. ‘
Friday is the fourth day of the five-day traditional Buddhist New Year holiday known as Thingyan. Most people shun the usual festivities this year to focus on their campaign against the generals who overthrew Suu Kyi’s government and imprisoned her and many others.
The streets in Yangon’s main city were largely deserted, residents said, while black-clad protesters held small rallies in half a dozen cities and towns, media reported.
There were no immediate reports of violence, but overnight two people were shot in the central city of Myingyan, Radio Free Asia reported.
A junta spokesperson was not available for comment.
The military has also convened its critics and published the names of more than 200 people wanted under a law that makes it illegal to encourage mutiny or dereliction of duty in the armed forces.
Two prominent protest organizers were arrested on Thursday, along with an actor and singer, both known for their statements against the coup.
Late Thursday, soldiers raided a famous Buddhist monastery in Mandalay’s second city and arrested two people, the Myanmar Now media group reported.
SOUTH KOREAN END VENTURE
Opponents organize themselves at home and abroad with the aim of intensifying their campaign.
A previously unknown group called the Ayeyarwaddy Federal Army said on Facebook that it intended to fight the military to restore an elected government and protect the people, calling for volunteers.
It did not detail how it intended to stand up to the well-equipped and seasoned army that has been fighting against ethnic minority insurgents for decades.
International pressure is also slowly building on the military, especially from Western governments, although the military has a long track record of fending off outside pressure.
The European Union has agreed to impose sanctions on an additional 10 persons linked to the coup and target for the first time two companies run by the armed forces in protest against the military takeover, two diplomats said. read more
Although the EU imposed an arms embargo on Myanmar last month targeting 11 senior military officials, the decision to target the two companies is the most important response for the bloc since the coup.
EU diplomats told Reuters in March that parts of the military conglomerates, Myanma Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC), would be targeted, preventing EU investors and banks from doing business with them.
Human rights groups have also called for sanctions.
The EU declined to comment and no one from Myanmar’s mission to the EU in Brussels could be reached for response.
On rare occasions from an Asian company, South Korea’s POSCO Coated & Color Steel Co Ltd (POSCO C&C) (058430.KS) said Friday it would end its joint venture with MEHL. read more
The company did not provide details on how it would end the venture, but a spokesman told Reuters as it was ending the venture relationship that it was not withdrawing from Myanmar.
Leaders from Southeast Asian neighbors, who have tried to encourage talks between rival Myanmar parties, will meet in Indonesia on April 24 to discuss the situation, Thai and Indonesian media reported.
Junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing would be in attendance, a Thai broadcaster said, but the Jakarta Post said it had not been confirmed whether the top would include representatives from the junta or the former government.
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Principles of Trust.