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YANGON: 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 fresh anger at the junta.
Much of the country has been in an uproar since troops deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, with large street demonstrations in both urban centers and isolated villages.
Security forces have responded with increasing force, deploying troops against peaceful demonstrations and firing tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets.
The 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 army to refrain from violence against peaceful protesters,” spokesman Ned Price told reporters yesterday.
“We will work with partners and allies to pressure the Burmese army to reverse its actions.”
A doctor in Naypyidaw had previously announced the first confirmed death in the protests.
Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, who turned 20 on Thursday while lying unconscious in a hospital bed, was shot in the head during a demonstration in the capital last week.
Since then, he has become a symbol of resistance for protesters, who have held up his photos at the demonstrations and even displayed a huge banner with artwork from a bridge showing the moment he was shot.
“We will consider you our martyr,” said a social media tribute to the young grocery store worker. “We will bring justice for his loss.”
Since then, a memorial has appeared on the streets of Yangon, with residents of the commercial capital laying down flowers and messages to the victim. (pix)
His sister Poh Poh told reporters yesterday: “Please all join this protest movement for more success. That’s all I want to say. “
Hundreds arrested
Almost 550 people have been detained since the coup, according to the Association for the Assistance to Political Prisoners.
Among those arrested are railway workers, civil servants and bank personnel who have left their jobs as part of a campaign of civil disobedience aimed at crippling the army’s ability to govern.
The country emerged from its sixth consecutive Internet curfew overnight on Saturday, a move imposed as neighborhoods across the country began setting up watch groups to protect themselves against late-night arrests.
Internet monitor Netblocks reported that Wikipedia had been blocked in the country, joining a list of prohibited content that includes Facebook and other social networking services.
A small group of protesters was forcibly dispersed by baton-wielding police and military in the northern city of Myitkyina yesterday, according to a video posted online and witnesses.
A teacher at the scene said she saw dozens of people arrested in the fray, including two of her colleagues.
“They arrested those who tried to take photos and videos,” he told AFP.
The military regime has so far resisted a chorus of international condemnation.
The United States, Great Britain and Canada have announced sanctions against the country’s top generals.
The junta has justified its takeover by citing widespread electoral fraud in the November elections, which Suu Kyi’s party won overwhelmingly.
The Nobel laureate, who has not been seen since she was caught in dawn raids, has been charged with two counts, one of them for possession of unregistered walkie-talkies.
His hearing is expected on March 1. – AFP
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