NAYPYIDAW (MYANMAR) – Protesters took to the streets in Myanmar on Monday defying a crackdown by security forces, which resulted in the fatal end of at least 18 people a day earlier, as there has been increased calls for a more united international response post the violence considered to be at its worst, since a coup one month ago.
Police with water cannon and military vehicles were deployed at places where protests have been rampant in Yangon on Monday. Demonstrators marched in Kale, in northwest Myanmar, with pictures of Suu Kyi in their hands and chanting “democracy, our cause, our cause”.
Prominent protest leader Ei Thinzar Maung posted on Facebook, “It has been one month since the coup. They cracked down on us with shootings yesterday. We will come out today again.”
Suu Kyi, who has, has not been seen in public ever since her detention, has a court hearing scheduled for Monday.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed remarks against what he called “abhorrent violence” by security forces, on the other hand, Canada’s foreign minister, Marc Garneau, said the military’s use of coercion against its own people “appalling”. Both have raised their voices for a united response.
Tom Andrews, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar said it was quite evident that the junta’s assault is set to continue. Hence, the international community should amp up its response.
He proposed a global arms embargo, more sanctions from more countries on those behind the coup, sanctions on the military’s businesses and a U.N Security Council referral to the International Criminal Court.
“Words of condemnation are welcome but insufficient. We must act,” Andrews said in a statement.
“The nightmare in Myanmar that is unfolding before our eyes will get worse. The world must act.”
People observed the deaths of demonstrators, by honouring them with red and white roses. It was engirdled with yellow, white and pink flowers, on the spot in front of a school where one protester was killed.
Some protesters called for destructing surveillance cameras used by authorities, on Monday and were seen sharing pepper spray recipes on social media.
One road in Yangon saw demonstrators with hundreds of pictures of junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, bearing the words “shame on you, dictator, we will never forgive you”.
“The excessive use of force and other violations committed by the military junta are being recorded and they will be held accountable,” it said.
In a post, which was dated February 28, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar warned “severe action will be inevitably taken” against “anarchic mobs” that the military could not sideline, in spite of showing restraint earlier.
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said at least 270 people were detained on Sunday, out of the total 1,132, which according to it had been either been arrested, charged or sentenced since the coup.
US Secretary of State Blinken on Sunday said the United States’ support lies with the people of Myanmar.
“(We) encourage all countries to speak with one voice in support of their will,” he said on Twitter.
Activists across Asia have continued to protest, extending support, with the rallying cry named “Milk Tea Alliance” which first brought together pro-democracy activists in Thailand and Hong Kong.