4th April, 2021 #day63

 

Again, Myanmar young protesters have surprised the international community with their creativity and determination. On Easter Sunday, the day of the resurrection of Christ, Myanmar youths express their wishes and feelings through egg-painting practices, as is done in the West, dubbed as #EasterEggsStrike. For a country with more than 80 percent of Buddhist population, Easter is not a popular event – in fact many youths were not aware about it until today, but it has united people with different religions and identities. A day before the Easter, netizens were seen reminding not to paint swore words and misusing it as it is a major religious event. In the past, young protesters have held different forms of strikes including a silent strike, rubbish strike, non-human strike, and flower strike to keep the momentum of the protest and gain international attention. These activities show that protesters in Myanmar are not only tech-savvy, but also constantly learning and equipped with innovative ideas. Today's campaign has also been reported in Western media, such as Australia and Canada. In his Easter message, Pope Francis praised the Myanmar youth and said that “the young people of Myanmar committed to supporting democracy and making their voices heard peacefully.”

Ten ethnic armed organizations that have signed the NCA ceasefire agreement issued a letter of support for the repeal of the 2008 constitution and welcome the CRPH's federal democracy charter. They again added that they commit to supporting the #SpringRevolution and the CDM movement. Yesterday, the NLD also issued a letter of support for the CRPH. Many believe that these actions will reinforce drafting federal constitution and forming federal army. So far, seven ethnic armed groups that have not signed the NCA have not yet commented on the CRPH’s actions. According to the European Karen Network, the Thai government has not yet allowed humanitarian aid workers to travel to Karen refugees who have fled to Thai border due to the junta’s consecutive airstrikes. The EKN called on the international community to put pressure on Thai government. There are reportedly more than 3,000 Karen refugees on Thai said and are in need of emergency aids. The Mizzima reports that armed civilians and the junta’s troops clashed in Tamu, near the Indian border where most Chin people live. Two police posts and a bridge caught fire and residents took control of the fire station. There are casualties on both sides, but the exact number is still unknown as the time of writing.

A CNN spokesman told Reuters that they are aware of the arrest of the interviewees and are pressuring the junta to release them immediately. Some have been reportedly released today, but at least four women and a man are still being detained in Shwepyithar Investigation Centre. The junta has issued a list of arrest warrants of more than 200 people in Mandalay. In addition, the state-run media has released a new list of artists and social influencers charged under Section 505 (a). The junta announces that the actor Ye Htike from the list has been detained in Yangon. All of these artists have been posting anti-regime posts on their social media accounts.

Mystery fires occur at night in cities. Mandalay, Pathein and Yangon have had fires in the past, and last night and today, ward administration offices and public houses in Taunggyi (Shan), Sanchaung (Yangon), Tamu (Sagaing) were set on fire. Residents claim that the junta’s troops prevented them from trying to put out the blaze and accuse that these are the acts of the junta’s troops to defame the protesters and residents. In addition to Chinese products, netizens are urging to avoid using Thailand products as much as possible, instead buy more local products. By doing so, they say that they are not only expressing their position, but also encouraging local markets and workers.

According to VOA, French energy giant Total has told the French newspaper du Dimanche that it will not suspend operation in Myanmar. Patrick Pouyanne, the company's chief executive, said that by continuing to work, they are protecting their employees and preventing power shortage. Total operates in the Yadana gas site and exports most of its electricity to Thailand. It pays $ 4 million a month to the Myanmar government. Coincidently with a large-skill navy drill of the QUAD and France in Andaman sea, the junta suddenly announced its tactical exercise including navy, submarine, and air force to be conducted from April 4 to 10 nearby.