16th March, 2021 #day44

 

The whole country is grieving. Funerals and memorial services are being held everywhere for the victims. Fires are still burning in the western part of Yangon. Protesters accuse plainclothes soldiers and police of setting fire to Chinese factories. There is a massive exodus of people in Hlaing Tharyar where martial law has been issued as it is home to millions of migrant workers. The death toll is still rising and anti-coup protesters continue to be arrested. Despite the bloodshed and depressing news, protests are still happening day and night across the country.

The UN Secretary-General said that he is shocked by what is happening in Myanmar. But sill there have been no significant plans to respond. 488 Myanmar civil society groups issued an open letter condemning the UN for failing to take action against the junta.

CRPH issues last warning to foreign oil and gas companies - Petronas, PTTEP, Total, and POSCO - to suspend operations and paying taxes to the junta. Myanmar Now reports that workers at the Shwe gas project, which exports natural gas to China, have announced that they will join CDM. Private newspapers will soon stop publishing and will only broadcast online, according to BBC.

The Mon Unity Party decided to join the military council and take positions assigned by the junta, although many educated young Mon nationals are opposing to this decision. The junta has issued a letter requesting the accounts and remittances of all international and local non-governmental organizations. The BBC reports that about 400 police officers have fled to India.