YANGON – Myanmar anti-coup demonstrators have vowed big turnouts today as the junta regime intensifies its crackdown, following overnight raids in parts of Yangon which targeted officials from Aung San Suu Kyi’s political party.
The country has been in chaos since the February 1 coup which ousted civilian leader Suu Kyi from power and triggered a mass uprising opposing the military junta regime.
Wednesday was the deadliest day so far, with the United Nations saying at least 38 people were gunned down as security forces fired into crowds, shooting some protesters in the head.
The UN rights office also said it has verified at least 54 deaths since the coup – though the actual number could be far higher – and more than 1,700 people have been detained.
Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party confirmed some officials were arrested in overnight raids.
“It's true that in some townships NLD officials were arrested. But we do not know exactly how many people were taken or arrested,” party official Soe Win said.
NLD MP Sithu Maung posted on Facebook that security forces last night were searching the party’s information officer U Maung Maung at his house but couldn't find him.
“U Maung Maung’s brother was beaten by police and soldiers and his body was held in an upside-down position while he was tortured because there was no one to arrest,” the MP said.
State-run media today warned lawmakers involved in a group – called the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw which is claiming to be the legitimately elected government of Myanmar – that they are committing “high treason” and could be sentenced to death or 22 years jail.
The junta has declared group members persona non grata and says those who communicate with them could face seven years jail. – AFP, March 8, 2021
