purves grundy
ambient clown remix
Big protests all over the country today...
Myanmar (Burma) - news and discussion
- Thread starter mkbashar1979
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purves grundy
ambient clown remix
DJWrongspeed
radio eros
China is their biggest trader and looks like they're not aligned with the UN Sanctions idea. Not hugely surprising.
Update from BBC
Sounds like it's all todo with General Min Aung Hlaing reaching retirement age and not wanting to face prosecution for genocide etc.
Update from BBC
Sounds like it's all todo with General Min Aung Hlaing reaching retirement age and not wanting to face prosecution for genocide etc.
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Dom Traynor
Tino Pai
Things have turned ugly:
I don't think the Rohynga would agree that's when things got ugly
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
Things have turned ugly:
So much upset about this. Images already making the vinyl protest posters strung around town.
Election 2020 | Family of Police Crackdown’s Victim Urges Rooting Out Dictatorship
Chance of recovery is only 5 percent; ‘Only after her helmet was taken off and blood burst out, did I know that she had been shot.’
www.irrawaddy.com
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belboid
Exasperated, not angry.
"You fucked with the wrong generation"
A slogan popular in Thailand in recent years is taken up by young protestors in Burma too. All roads into and out of Yangon are completely rammed with protestors, trucks full of people driving around and effectively blockading the city. There is a massive general strike in the public sector that is absolutely solid. It appears the generals were not expecting much, if any, resistance and are shocked at the scale of it. They attempt to round up a few 'ringleaders' only to find that everyone keeps on coming out anyway. There are virtually no police on the streets of Yangon.
Rumours abound about what is happening in the imminent future. The govt keep trying to cut off the internet but they rely on it too much themselves to do so effectively. A flightful of chinese techies might be on their way in to work around this 'problem' so the people fear a complete loss of internet shortly, but who really knows? The military seem caught in a bind, they can't back down but they daren't risk a bloodbath. Not a situation that can survive for long.
A slogan popular in Thailand in recent years is taken up by young protestors in Burma too. All roads into and out of Yangon are completely rammed with protestors, trucks full of people driving around and effectively blockading the city. There is a massive general strike in the public sector that is absolutely solid. It appears the generals were not expecting much, if any, resistance and are shocked at the scale of it. They attempt to round up a few 'ringleaders' only to find that everyone keeps on coming out anyway. There are virtually no police on the streets of Yangon.
Rumours abound about what is happening in the imminent future. The govt keep trying to cut off the internet but they rely on it too much themselves to do so effectively. A flightful of chinese techies might be on their way in to work around this 'problem' so the people fear a complete loss of internet shortly, but who really knows? The military seem caught in a bind, they can't back down but they daren't risk a bloodbath. Not a situation that can survive for long.
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
Nice selection 
Even my Myanmar friends in their 30s and 40s and generally free of Victorian values have been taken aback by some of the slogans e.g. "I don't want 144 [Section 144 that criminalises gatherings of more than 5], I want 69".
Pretty good short article
newleftreview.org
Even my Myanmar friends in their 30s and 40s and generally free of Victorian values have been taken aback by some of the slogans e.g. "I don't want 144 [Section 144 that criminalises gatherings of more than 5], I want 69".Pretty good short article
Thomas Meaney, Myanmar Days — Sidecar
The latest military intervention and its origins in the country’s electoral system.
newleftreview.org
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
belboid
Exasperated, not angry.
I am very glad to know it wasn't just my mate choosing the more explicit ones.Nice selection
23,000 prisoners have been released by the Tatmadaw, given arms and sent into townships. Some have been 'arrested' by the people, but what to do with them?
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
Same tactics the military used in 1988 before the crackdown - use provocateurs to sow chaos, confusion and fear in urban neighbourhoods as a pretext for a full-on assault. Yangon runs on rumours at the best of times and right now there are ‘reports’ of the ex-cons poisoning the water supply, setting fire to protester houses and tooling up with knives and surrounding student dormitories.
Good piece of analysis with a particular focus on the ethnic regions
History repeated: Another roadblock to political change in Myanmar | Transnational Institute
Today is Union Day in Myanmar, which marks the historic Panglong Agreement in February 1947 when the principles of equality and unity were drawn up for the future union. In 2021, however, it is not a day of celebration but one of protest as peoples across the country take to the street to...
editor
hiraethified
It's truly awful what's happening there. People must feel utterly powerless. One minute they're just like us and enjoying all the same freedoms, and the next minute they're under the heel of a brutal dictatorship of pathetic old power-hungry bigots. I hope they get what's coming to them swiftly. These violent army cunts are going to have friends, families and neighbours - let's hope they're quick to shop them when the time comes.
Fairly sure the rohingyas wouldn't agree with this bit.
editor
hiraethified
Clearly I wasn't describing the experiences of every single person but trying to empathise generally. I don't think it's got better for anyone apart from the strutting military cunts.
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
It's been a hugely demoralising couple of weeks for Myanmar. You want us to go back to those times? Fuck that.
Part of me thinks this is the military's Suez moment, a colossal misreading of the situation and their status (even the Chinese are pissed off); on a more pessimistic note, it's nigh on immpossible for them to reverse course without risking their self-appointed role as 'guardians of the nation' and, more importantly for the top brass, their sources of enormous independent wealth. They're more despised now than ever.
Part of me thinks this is the military's Suez moment, a colossal misreading of the situation and their status (even the Chinese are pissed off); on a more pessimistic note, it's nigh on immpossible for them to reverse course without risking their self-appointed role as 'guardians of the nation' and, more importantly for the top brass, their sources of enormous independent wealth. They're more despised now than ever.
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
A summary of this week's developments from the ever-excellent frontiermyanmar.net/en/
This week, massive protests continued in the face of an increased troop presence, with harsher crackdowns outside of Yangon; State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and others were hit with more criminal charges as the regime introduced new draconian laws; the junta gave its first press conference, and journalists and media organisations were divided over how (or whether) to cover it; and conflict raged in Shan State between ethnic armed groups.
Protesters face off with soldiers
On Sunday evening, armoured personnel carriers and truckloads of soldiers poured into Yangon, increasing the military's presence in a city in open revolt. Despite the aggressive posturing, protesters once again took to the streets on Monday, staging targeted demonstrations at government offices like the the Myanma Port Authority, the Customs House, and others. Thousands were even seen boldly protesting directly in front of heavily armed soldiers at the Central Bank of Myanmar branch in Yankin Township. On Wednesday, we actually saw one of the biggest days of protesting yet, with hundreds of thousands in the streets. Anti-military protesters shut down major intersections, plunging the city into a state of gridlock, as part of the continued campaign to hamstring the military junta's governing efforts. There has still been no reports of violence by authorities in Yangon, although a group of far-right activists including monks did attack protesters on Thursday, causing injuries to several people and damaging multiple cars.
Outside of Yangon, it continues to be a different story, with soldiers and police regularly deploying much more violent methods to disperse protesters. On Monday, security forces cracked down on protesters at the Myanma Economic Bank, firing with steel balls and slingshots while also beating people with rubber sticks. According to a Frontier reporter in Mandalay, some soldiers wearing plain clothes also participated in the attacks, at one point shooting a group of people who were inside a fenced house with steel balls. It's become clear from on-the-ground reporting and videos that police even beat innocent bystanders, including a young man with cerebral palsy. A similar scene emerged from Mandalay on Wednesday night, as police and soldiers attacked a housing unit for Myanma Railways staffers, who have refused to work for the military junta.
We're also seeing increasing evidence of violence in Kachin State's Myitkyina, where soldiers already attacked demonstrators and seized a power plant last week. One of our reporters confirmed that four teachers, 50 protesters and some journalists were detained this morning, as police fire slingshots at anybody attempting to photograph or videotape. Videos on social media show police charging at protesters together with soldiers armed with rifles. In the far northern town of Putao, we’re told that a similar crackdown is underway, but have had trouble getting further information.
At the same time, some members of the security forces are continuing to abandon their posts in solidarity with the protesters. The first soldier defected in Sagaing Region's Monywa Township yesterday. “I don’t want to be the soldier that Mother Suu hates,” he said, referring of course to Aung San Suu Kyi. In Mandalay's Amarapura Township, nine more police officers crossed over, with one telling our reporter, "I want to tell people not to hate the police. The police are doing what they are being told to do because they are under [the military’s] control.”
Junta's charging spree
The junta filed new charges against many high-ranking National League for Democracy figures, including party leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is facing charges under the National Disaster Management Law for allegedly violating COVID-19 restrictions. This charge is in addition to her supposed violation of import/export laws for owning walkie-talkies. Zaw Myint Maung, the deposed chief minister of Mandalay Region and the vice-chair of the NLD, was meanwhile charged with incitement under section 505(b) of the Penal Code, as was Myo Thit, who served as the regional minister for environment in Zaw Myint Maung's cabinet.
Min Ko Naing, a member of the 88 Generation group and probably the most prominent activist not currently behind bars, was also caught in the military's new spree of charges. He and 12 other influential figures - including not only activists, but also directors, actors, singers, and writers - were all charged under section 505(b). The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said yesterday that 521 people have been arrested since the coup, with 477 either still in detention or facing charges.
The US State Department said it was "disturbed" by the new charges against Aung San Suu Kyi, once again calling for the release of all political prisoners and restoration of the elected government. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom and Canada introduced fresh sanctions against high-ranking individuals responsible for the coup, with the UK punishing three and Canada targeting nine. The UK also said it has “launched an enhanced due diligence process” to further restrict British companies from doing business with Tatmadaw-linked companies.
The junta also passed a series of alarming laws over the weekend, which should make it even easier to arrest dissidents in the future. Among the most notable changes is the addition of two sections to the penal code, 124C and 124D, which outlaw hindering the "performance of the Defence Servies and law enforcement" and hindering "government employees" respectively. The first carries a prison sentence up to 20 years and the second up to seven years. Both are clearly aimed at protesters attempting to encourage civil servants to go on strike. The military also revoked certain requirements meant to protect citizens, like the need for a warrant, and reintroduced requirements to announce guests from outside a ward or village-tract to authorities
This week, massive protests continued in the face of an increased troop presence, with harsher crackdowns outside of Yangon; State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and others were hit with more criminal charges as the regime introduced new draconian laws; the junta gave its first press conference, and journalists and media organisations were divided over how (or whether) to cover it; and conflict raged in Shan State between ethnic armed groups.
Protesters face off with soldiers
On Sunday evening, armoured personnel carriers and truckloads of soldiers poured into Yangon, increasing the military's presence in a city in open revolt. Despite the aggressive posturing, protesters once again took to the streets on Monday, staging targeted demonstrations at government offices like the the Myanma Port Authority, the Customs House, and others. Thousands were even seen boldly protesting directly in front of heavily armed soldiers at the Central Bank of Myanmar branch in Yankin Township. On Wednesday, we actually saw one of the biggest days of protesting yet, with hundreds of thousands in the streets. Anti-military protesters shut down major intersections, plunging the city into a state of gridlock, as part of the continued campaign to hamstring the military junta's governing efforts. There has still been no reports of violence by authorities in Yangon, although a group of far-right activists including monks did attack protesters on Thursday, causing injuries to several people and damaging multiple cars.
Outside of Yangon, it continues to be a different story, with soldiers and police regularly deploying much more violent methods to disperse protesters. On Monday, security forces cracked down on protesters at the Myanma Economic Bank, firing with steel balls and slingshots while also beating people with rubber sticks. According to a Frontier reporter in Mandalay, some soldiers wearing plain clothes also participated in the attacks, at one point shooting a group of people who were inside a fenced house with steel balls. It's become clear from on-the-ground reporting and videos that police even beat innocent bystanders, including a young man with cerebral palsy. A similar scene emerged from Mandalay on Wednesday night, as police and soldiers attacked a housing unit for Myanma Railways staffers, who have refused to work for the military junta.
We're also seeing increasing evidence of violence in Kachin State's Myitkyina, where soldiers already attacked demonstrators and seized a power plant last week. One of our reporters confirmed that four teachers, 50 protesters and some journalists were detained this morning, as police fire slingshots at anybody attempting to photograph or videotape. Videos on social media show police charging at protesters together with soldiers armed with rifles. In the far northern town of Putao, we’re told that a similar crackdown is underway, but have had trouble getting further information.
At the same time, some members of the security forces are continuing to abandon their posts in solidarity with the protesters. The first soldier defected in Sagaing Region's Monywa Township yesterday. “I don’t want to be the soldier that Mother Suu hates,” he said, referring of course to Aung San Suu Kyi. In Mandalay's Amarapura Township, nine more police officers crossed over, with one telling our reporter, "I want to tell people not to hate the police. The police are doing what they are being told to do because they are under [the military’s] control.”
Junta's charging spree
The junta filed new charges against many high-ranking National League for Democracy figures, including party leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is facing charges under the National Disaster Management Law for allegedly violating COVID-19 restrictions. This charge is in addition to her supposed violation of import/export laws for owning walkie-talkies. Zaw Myint Maung, the deposed chief minister of Mandalay Region and the vice-chair of the NLD, was meanwhile charged with incitement under section 505(b) of the Penal Code, as was Myo Thit, who served as the regional minister for environment in Zaw Myint Maung's cabinet.
Min Ko Naing, a member of the 88 Generation group and probably the most prominent activist not currently behind bars, was also caught in the military's new spree of charges. He and 12 other influential figures - including not only activists, but also directors, actors, singers, and writers - were all charged under section 505(b). The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said yesterday that 521 people have been arrested since the coup, with 477 either still in detention or facing charges.
The US State Department said it was "disturbed" by the new charges against Aung San Suu Kyi, once again calling for the release of all political prisoners and restoration of the elected government. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom and Canada introduced fresh sanctions against high-ranking individuals responsible for the coup, with the UK punishing three and Canada targeting nine. The UK also said it has “launched an enhanced due diligence process” to further restrict British companies from doing business with Tatmadaw-linked companies.
The junta also passed a series of alarming laws over the weekend, which should make it even easier to arrest dissidents in the future. Among the most notable changes is the addition of two sections to the penal code, 124C and 124D, which outlaw hindering the "performance of the Defence Servies and law enforcement" and hindering "government employees" respectively. The first carries a prison sentence up to 20 years and the second up to seven years. Both are clearly aimed at protesters attempting to encourage civil servants to go on strike. The military also revoked certain requirements meant to protect citizens, like the need for a warrant, and reintroduced requirements to announce guests from outside a ward or village-tract to authorities
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
Big one tomorrow
www.irrawaddy.com
Millions Expected to Join General Strike in Myanmar on Monday to Oppose Regime
Historic show of defiance against military dictatorship expected to rival ‘Four Eights’ uprising of three decades ago.
www.irrawaddy.com
teqniq
DisMembered
Military Crackdown in Myanmar Escalates With Killing of Protesters (Published 2021)
At least 18 people were killed during protests, according to the United Nations, with security forces opening fire on crowds.
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hitmouse
so defeated, thinks it's funny
Myanmar Workers and Unions on the Front Lines in Fight Against Coup
Update: Late Friday evening, February 26 (local time), the Myanmar military declared most of the country's labor organizations illegal on public television, with the threat of arrests if their activities continue, adding to the urgency of international solidarity activities. On February 1, the...
labornotes.org
Links to this article from a Myanmar trade union leader:
My country needs you: No cooperation, no recognition and no business with the military junta in Myanmar
-Khaing Zar Aung On 1 February 2021, Myanmar’s military overthrew the civilian government headed by the National League for Democracy and refused to allow elected Parliamentarians to take their sea…
globallabourcolumn.org
DJWrongspeed
radio eros
How does this end? Does any other country other than China have any leverage over the Generals?
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
Absolute carnage from the khaki cunts today.
www.frontiermyanmar.net
The military have crossed the Rubicon with this coup. If they retreat, their much-cherished 2008 Constitution has to go too, along with all their power and autonomy. If they carry on... well, it's unthinkable. Face-saving 'dialogues' would quell things but with ASSK, the President and many others in the NLD facing criminal charges there's no protest leader to speak with, and from their point of view the election results are absolutely not up for discussion. Ethnic regions wouldn't want their voice represented by a Bamar anyway.
Security forces stage deadly crackdown, leaving at least 16 people dead
Six people were killed in Yangon’s North Okkalapa Township and at least 18 are in a critical condition after security forces opened fire with live rounds, while deaths were also reported in Mandalay, Monywa and Myingyan.
www.frontiermyanmar.net
Yeah it's really difficult to see how it could end soon. Even China's leverage is overstated. The military are hyper-nationalistic and while they'll happily take their weapons, money for infratructure projects (which often require militarisation - what a win-win), sell them jade, gas etc the generals hold them in pretty low esteem. ASEAN met yesterday and 'agreed to disagree'. The US, UK, EU etc will keep tightening meaningless sanctions. The UN obviously can't / won't do much.
The military have crossed the Rubicon with this coup. If they retreat, their much-cherished 2008 Constitution has to go too, along with all their power and autonomy. If they carry on... well, it's unthinkable. Face-saving 'dialogues' would quell things but with ASSK, the President and many others in the NLD facing criminal charges there's no protest leader to speak with, and from their point of view the election results are absolutely not up for discussion. Ethnic regions wouldn't want their voice represented by a Bamar anyway.
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DJWrongspeed
radio eros
Good point but.....Myanmar is a tricky country to understand, much of the country is in a state of civil war with the generals as well.
The coup could be perceived being all about the Rohingya in that the military want to be immune from prosecution.
China certainly are not currently going to do anything that's for sure unless their interests are affected.
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purves grundy
ambient clown remix
Both coup and genocide are outrages committed by the military, but that’s all they have in common. Thanks to Myanmar’s history these things have their own distinct meaning and provoke social sentiment in different ways, if at all. Burma / Myanmar has been deliberately fractured along ethnic lines by colonial and authoritarian (and recently ‘democratic’!) governments as part of their strategy of rule, so subjugation of minorities and the making and breaking alliances with ethnic armies is almost part of everyday statecraft. What happened to the Rohingya in 2016~2017 was shocking in scale but massive displacements of ethnic groups have been going on for decades in other parts of the country. What was newsworthy in Myanmar was more the international reaction rather than the crisis itself. Nothing as exceptional as a coup anyway, an outrage on your doorstep not the hinterlands.
And anything involving ethnicity is complex, sensitive and not so straightforward when it comes to mobilising for change. Citizenship and identity tend to unify in Myanmar and kids grow up very aware of ‘race’ (it’s uncomfortable how often you hear that word used) and into life organised around Myanmar’s 135 ‘national races‘ (Rohingya of course don’t count). A few independent-minded organisations and activists did stand up for Rohingya but it wasn’t easy for them. Good news is that the younger generation - the ones piling into the streets now - are less susceptible to the racist brainwashing of old, much more ready to challenge it. It’s important to recognise the scale of the task though.
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teqniq
DisMembered
It is difficult to gauge how much effect this may have, it's more of a long-term thing:
www.rappler.com
Digital insurgents rally against Myanmar’s military junta
Activists are launching apps to expose the Myanmar army’s business dealings and keep people safe on the streets
www.rappler.com
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