1D54D74C4B788B01A39CE8E6899019C7 Scenes from Myanmar’s deadliest week as coup enters second month -->
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Scenes from Myanmar’s deadliest week as coup enters second month

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Citizen journalists shared what they witnessed during the violent week

Anti-coup protests continued in Myanmar despite the use of violence by security forces. Photo shared by citizen journalists, used with permission

The month of February ended with at least 18 people being killed by security forces in a nationwide crackdown targeting anti-coup protesters and even journalists. The attacks continued during the first week of March, turning many communities into “war zones” and leading to mass arrests. Despite the use of violence by police and Tatmadaw (armed forces) against unarmed civilians, protests continued to gather support as activists pressed for the restoration of democracy.

The Tatmadaw staged a coup on February 1 and detained the country’s elected leaders. The military government, however, immediately faced strong opposition from citizens who organized various forms of resistance while pleading for UN intervention.

The biggest protest took place on February 22 through a general strike that paralyzed city centers across the country. Since then, security forces have resorted to more violent methods in suppressing the anti-coup movement. Dozens were killed in police operations on February 27, February 28, March 3, and March 5.

Citizen journalists told Global Voices about what they witnessed during a protest at Baho road in Sanchaung on March 3:

Police used rubber gun, sling shots, smoke and sound bomb. Nobody got arrested that day and people were protesting peacefully. The police came forward and started cracking down the crowd violently. Nobody got arrested from our protest group in Baho road.

On March 5, eyewitnesses said police used smoke bombs against protesters:

Police fired two smoke bombs toward the crowd so we shoot fireworks to scare them and you can see fireworks exploding in the video.

Workers are among the most active participants of the protest movement:

On March 7, our source saw military personnel randomly shooting and setting off sound bombs in neighborhoods.

To combat this, people are closing all their lights and community guards (like neighborhood watch) are asking people to switch off lights in order to not attract gunshots.

Residents also mocked the police and military by shouting “Happy New Year” when sound bombs were used in their communities:

In response, people were shouting happy new year to mock the military's tactics. Another wonderful example of the resilience and humor the people of Myanmar have maintained since the start of the coup.

In recent days, the police and military were seen deploying troops in schools, hospitals, and monasteries. Our source said:

Seems like military is also trying to station themselves among civilians, making their bases in hospital, monasteries and schools.

Several protesters were able to share their stories with journalists. Ye Myint, a 27-year-old Sanchuang resident, recalled how they acted during the clash with the police:

Our tactic now is simple: If they shoot, we run. Then we reassemble.

Another protester described her experience during a brief detention:

I hid my phone before entering the transport vehicle and posted on my Facebook that I was arrested, so my folks would see it. Upon arrival, men were sent directly into the cells and women were detained in a lecture room next door. Then the policewomen searched us again, and my phone was taken away.

We were also interrogated by soldiers the next day. They took photographs of us from the front and both sides, like you see in the movies.

They were soon released with a warning that they will be charged if they continued to join protests.

The funeral for a young martyred protester was attended by thousands of sympathizers:

Residents defied curfew regulations and lit candles for fallen protesters:

The death of protesters emboldened fellow activists to continue fighting for democracy:

Nighttime raids and arrests were conducted on March 6 and 7. Among those arrested was the father of an elected official:

My father was beaten up while he was being taken away. The soldiers and police destroyed our father’s house.

A Frontier journalist expressed admiration for protesters:

Over these few days, I developed a deep admiration for these young protesters. Not just because of their bravery, but also because of their skill; each day, as they gained more experience, their tactics improved. The police simply couldn’t crush them; each time they advanced, the protesters melted away. If the police withdrew, they returned to the same spot; if the police stayed, the protesters simply moved to a new location. They used social media to study the situation and work out where they should go next.

Kyaw Zwa Moe of The Irrawaddy acknowledged the fighting will of the young protesters:

…they are so determined to see the death of the military dictatorship, there is simply no way their movement can die. Their determination to annihilate the mighty and cruel military dictatorship knows no bounds. The only conceivable outcome is victory.

*With additional reporting from Global Voices’ Civic Media Observatory project

Written by Global Voices South East Asia



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