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NAYPYIDAW: Hein Yar Zar winced when a tattoo artist etched the features of his first love, a young protester whose death has become a symbol of resistance against the Myanmar junta, onto his chest.
Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing was shot in the head during a demonstration in the capital, Naypyidaw, and became one of the first fatalities from the coup on February 19 after 10 days in hospital.
Since then, his image has become synonymous with the bloody struggle to seize power from the army, which toppled Myanmar’s civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and pulled the country off the path of democracy last month.
READ: Protesters return to the streets of Myanmar after nightly raids by security forces
For Hein Yar Zar, 21, the abrupt end of his girlfriend’s young life has filled him with the determination to keep protesting, even while grieving.
Hein Yar Zar, the boyfriend of the late Myanmar anti-coup protester Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, has vowed to continue the resistance. (Photo: AFP / STR)
“We had so many plans for this year. He died as his birthday approached,” he told AFP.
“I got a tattoo of her portrait because I miss her, it is a memory for us.”
Two days after she was shot, Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing turned 20 while unconscious in a hospital bed, an image shared by anti-coup protesters as they demonstrated in the streets.
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Days later, a 15-meter-long banner illustrating the moment she was beaten was hung from a bridge in Yangon’s commercial center, describing her as a “martyr” by some protesters.
A 15-meter-long banner with illustrations depicting the moment Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing was shot was hung from a bridge in Yangon. (Photo: AFP / Sai Aung Main)
His death sparked harsh global condemnation from the junta, with several countries imposing targeted sanctions on generals.
Today, more than 50 people have died during the protests as security forces impose an increasingly brutal crackdown on protesters.
READ: UN tells Myanmar military to ‘stop killing’ protesters
“There was no one like her,” said Hein Yar Zar.
He showed an inking he had done years ago on his arm – “Together Forever” – a poignant reminder of his youthful optimism.
“I WILL KEEP ON FIGHTING”
On February 9, the couple were at the forefront of a massive demonstration in Naypyidaw, although separated by the crowd of protesters.
“I texted her, ‘Please call me,’ because I had no credit on my phone, but she never did,” said Hein Yar Zar, who heard the news of her shooting from her sister.
“I stayed by his side in the hospital and prayed every day that he would get better.”
Thousands of people lined the funeral procession route to pay tribute to Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing in the Myanmar capital. (Photo: AFP / STR)
The army initially said it was investigating his death, but state media later reported that an autopsy on his body showed the bullet was not fired by police officers.
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Since her death, Hein Yar Zar’s life has been divided into moments filled with pain, anger, and resolution.
Showing a previous tattoo – “11.17.2015”, which commemorates his first date five years ago – he vowed never to forget it.
“She gave her life for this revolution, as her boyfriend, I will continue to do so for her,” he said.
“I will continue fighting for this revolution to win.”
