Myanmar’s military dictatorship (junta) has completed one year, but the anger against it continues. On Tuesday, a silent strike was called across the country in protest against this. There was silence all over Myanmar for six hours. During this people remained indoors and shops in the markets remained closed. People registered public protest even after remaining silent.
The military junta is adopting various tactics to suppress the voice of democracy, but so far it has not been fully successful. In Myanmar, 1500 civilians have been killed for opposing the dictatorship, of which 290 died in military custody. At the same time, 11,838 opponents were detained and 4 lakh people were forced to flee.
Army said do not close the market
The streets of Myanmar were deserted in protest against the military dictatorship. However, the army had distributed pamphlets warning people not to participate in the bandh.
Military junta had distributed pamphlets warning people not to participate in silent strike, many people have also been arrested. Cases have been registered against those arrested on terrorism charges. But people, especially youth, took to the streets carrying banners and placards.
He also carried the red color of Myanmar’s deposed leader Aung San’s party on the streets. The youth also uploaded videos of the protests on social media. Roads in Yangon and Mandalay remained deserted throughout the day. People stayed in their homes. Most shops remained closed. Patrolling of soldiers on the streets also continued. Meanwhile, the US, Britain and Canada have announced new sanctions on Myanmar.
Democracy supporters occupy 6 districts
The army has not been able to fully capture northern Myanmar. Pro-democracy occupation is increasing in Chin and Rakhian provinces. The military junta acknowledged that about six districts were occupied by pro-democracy guerrillas. Military junta is not able to enter these areas.
According to intelligence reports, about 1 lakh pro-democracy guerrillas are hiding in the jungles and carrying out action against the military junta. The movement has become more vocal in Kayah province. The supply of military equipment and other help is going from western countries.
According to military expert Anthony Davis, there are around 50 public defense units formed across the country. Most of these are active in cities. They give secret information about the army and police to the supporters of democracy. These public defense units engage the army and police forces in sporadic skirmishes.
The trial in the election fraud case against ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar will begin on February 14. After a military coup in February 2021, Suu Kyi was arrested by the military on charges of rigging the country’s elections. He has been sentenced in 4 out of 6 cases.
