14th March, 2021 #day42

 

The anti-coup protests are likely to intensify and potentially escalate into armed opposition in a few weeks. In the last few days, protesters have been seen confronting armed forces rather than dispersing. Following the mounting number of civilian deaths and injuries on the streets, the CRPH announced today that the people have the right to defend themselves against violence and atrocities under the provisions of Chapter 4 of the Penal Code, in accordance with the yesterday statement of the Acting Vice President. The provisions are not something new, but anyone can now resist against all acts of violence with any mean necessary, either for oneself or for others as the CRPH has already declared the junta as a terrorist group. The statement also added that the right to life must be protected as it is an innate human right, and therefore, such resistance will not be considered a crime. As a consequence, armed forces, who continue to use violence against peaceful protesters on a daily basis, will face a backlash from protesters.

In this regard, the Special Advisory Council on Myanmar (SAC-M), led by former UN Special Envoy to Myanmar Yanghee Lee, announced today that the current situation in Myanmar is likely to worsen in the next few days and that the international community needs to do 'political intervention' immediately. The council's statement criticises the response of the international community as 'weak' and also calls for the visit to Myanmar and ASEAN for ending tragedy. Social media users are worried that Myanmar could soon be embroiled in a major civil war and that the country will become a failed state.

Three Chinese-owned garment factories in Hlaing Tharyar Township, which has a large industrial area and a large population of working class, have been on fire since this afternoon. It is unknown at this time what has caused the fire, but many social media users say that the fire was started by soldiers who wanted to create chaos and blame the anti-coup protesters. Many troops have been seen stationing in Hlaing Tharyar Township and clashing with protesters. According to Myanmar Now, at least 14 protesters have been confirmed dead due to the bullet wounds in that township. At the time of writing, some reports indicate that the death toll has risen to around 30 and that the number will increase soon. The Chinese embassy announced on its Facebook page that the vandals had set fire to Chinese factories and called on security forces to protect its factories and Chinese workers who are trapped inside the factories. In the past, protesters have accused China of providing support to the military council and protection it at the United Nations Security Council, claiming they would destroy Chinese-owned businesses and that it was a matter of Myanmar's internal affairs, not China's.

A few minutes ago, the military council declared martial law in Hlaing Tharyar and Shwepyithar townships, where many industrial areas are located and home to millions of working class. The order came within hours of the Chinese embassy's statement. Some social media users mock at the military's action saying that they are already living under the military rule and things will not change much.