Opponents of Myanmar's military coup vowed to continue non-violent action on Tuesday in the face of bans on big gatherings, night curfews and road closures after the biggest demonstrations in more than a decade.
The Feb. 1 coup and detention of elected civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi brought three days of protests across the Southeast Asian country of 53 million and a growing civil disobedience movement affecting hospitals, schools and government offices.
Promises on Monday from junta leader Min Aung Hlaing to eventually hold a new election in his first address since seizing power drew scorn. He repeated unproven accusations of fraud in last November's election, won by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) in a landslide.
"We will continue to fight," said a statement from youth activist Maung Saungkha, calling for the release of political prisoners and the "complete collapse of dictatorship" as well as the abolition of a constitution that gave the army a veto in parliament and for federalism in ethnically-divided Myanmar.
An older generation of activists formed during bloodily supressed protests in 1988 called for the continuation of the strike action by government workers for another three weeks.
"We also request the protesters in the whole nation to be united and systematically help each other," said the statement from Min Ko Naing on behalf of the 88 Generation group.
After tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Myanmar, local orders banning gatherings of more than four people were imposed. The U.S. Embassy said it had received reports of an 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. local time curfew in the two biggest cities, Yangon and Mandalay.
Bridges connecting central Yangon to populous districts outside were shut on Tuesday, residents said.
There was no further comment from authorities on the measures to stop protesters.
Some coup opponents suggested on social media that people should meet in groups of four to protest to get around the ban on large gatherings.
ELECTION PROMISE
In his first televised address as junta leader on Monday, Min Aung Hlaing said the junta would form a "true and disciplined democracy," different to previous eras of military rule which left Myanmar in isolation and poverty.
"We will have a multiparty election and we will hand the power to the one who wins in that election, according to the rules of democracy," he said. The electoral commission had dismissed his accusations of fraud in last year's ballot.
Min Aung Hlaing gave no time frame but the junta has said a state of emergency will last one year.
The comments brought angry responses on social media, with some people posting pictures of themselves putting one finger up at the television as he spoke.
Western governments have widely condemned the coup, although there has been little concrete action so far to put pressure on the generals.
The U.N. Security Council has called for the release of Suu Kyi and other detainees. The U.N. Human Rights Council will hold a special session on Friday to discuss the crisis at the behest of Britain and the European Union.
The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has said it is considering targeted sanctions. It said on Monday it was "moving quickly" to form its response.
In a letter on Monday, a senior member of Suu Kyi's NLD asked U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to "use all available means...to ensure a swift reversal of the coup".
Suu Kyi won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for campaigning for democracy and spent nearly 15 years under house arrest as she struggled to end almost half a century of army rule.
The 75-year-old has been kept incommunicado since her arrest. She faces charges of illegally importing six walkie-talkies and is being held in police detention until Feb. 15.
Her lawyer said he has not been allowed to see her. The U.S. State Department said it had made both formal and informal efforts to reach her, but was denied.
Suu Kyi remains hugely popular at home despite damage to her international reputation over the plight of the Muslim Rohingya minority.
Bernama
Tue Feb 09 2021
Maxar's satellite image shows crowds during protests near Yangon City Hall in Yangon, Myanmar February 8, 2021. Satellite image é2021 Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS
M'sia succeeds in reducing HCFC use - NRES
Datuk Dr Kim Ching Thoo said Malaysia aims to eliminate the use of HCFC by 2030.
UNRWA chief says Israeli forces damaged agency's West Bank office; Israel disputes claim
The Israeli military issued a statement denying responsibility for any damage to the building.
KTMB set to go cashless starting Jan 1, 2025
KTMB said this initiative aims to foster a more efficient and competitive society.
Bursa pares some losses, trades remain below 1,600
Overall sentiment, however, remained fragile amid weak cues from Wall Street.
Death toll in Spain's floods rises to 158, among Europe's worst storm disasters
The tragedy is Spain's worst flood-related disaster in modern history, and meteorologists say.
'Squid Game 2' to be 'more intriguing', the show's creator promises
Hwang Dong-hyuk says third edition of Squid Game was already in post-production and hinted an English-language version may be in the offing.
Trump sues CBS over Kamala Harris '60 Minutes' interview
The complaint alleges the network aired two different responses from Harris responding to a question about the war between Israel and Hamas.
11 motorcycles destroyed in morning fire
The blaze also engulfed a lorry parked near the garage; fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported.
Russian billionaire Avdeev says he's sold up to spend more time with his 23 children
Roman Avdeev says he had sold his remaining stake in the Rossium Group holding and that he no longer held any assets in Russia
Musk's X ineffective against surge in US election misinformation, report says
Social media platforms have been under scrutiny over misinformation and conspiracy theories, including false information on elections.
US tracking nearly 500 incidents of civilian harm during Israel's Gaza war
The incidents are being collected by a formal mechanism for tracking and assessing any reported misuse of US-origin weapons.
Dozens of North Koreans defectors caught by secret police 'vanish', says rights group
TJWG's report reveals enforced disappearance patterns based on interviews with 62 North Korean escapees now living in South Korea.
Gov’t won’t compromise on public safety on social media - Fahmi
Fahmi Fadzil says the govt will not compromise on this matter as social media safety issues, especially involving children and families.
No one left behind: Retirees to enjoy benefits from SSPA pension adjustments
This pension adjustment is implemented every time a new remuneration system is introduced, says Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan.
Govt initiatives benefit all, including Indian community - Gobind
The prime minister also emphasised coordinating efforts to cater to the needs of Indian villages, says Gobind Singh.
Russia asks at UN: If West aids Ukraine, why can't North Korea help us?
Vassily Nebenzia says Russia's military interaction with North Korea does not violate international law.
Gov't never discussed introducing ChatGPT subscription tax - Fahmi
Fahmi Fadzil says any new tax proposal must go to Parliament,- and not just be discussed at the Cabinet level.
Police awaiting details from Russian Embassy on Malaysian IDs found in Ukraine
Tan Sri Razarudin Husain says the Bukit Aman Special Branch has reached out to the Russian Embassy concerning the matter.
Harness Deepavali spirit to bring Malaysia to greater heights - PM
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says this aligns with the history and significance of the Festival of Lights, which goes beyond mere feasting.
Judge orders Elon Musk to court over $1 million giveaway in US election
A judge ordered Elon Musk to attend a Philadelphia hearing on a lawsuit to stop Musks PAC from awarding $1 million to US voters.