2nd May, 2021 #day91

 

The Global Myanmar Spring Revolution Day, initiated by Myanmar diaspora community around the world, has also had a significant impact at home. Anti-coup rallies have been held in many countries including the United States, South Korea, Japan, Australia and Norway. Thousands of people in cities and towns of Myanmar joined the march at the same time. Netizens are referring today’s marches as the second wave of Myanmar. As protests resumed, more people were arrested and shot dead as well. According to local media, protesters were arrested in Yangon, Mandalay, Shwebo, Hsipaw, Hpakant and some other places. In Hsipaw, Shan State, a young man was shot dead, DVB reported.

A KNPP, Karenni armed group, the officer confirmed to the Burma Associated Press that 70 young men who had attended basic military training at the KNPP camp were arrested on their way back home. The junta troops stopped the two trucks filled with these youths were in Phuso Township, Kayah State and found evidence of their training on their mobile phones. Netizens are commenting that young people should stay low-profile and avoid posting information about military training on social media, interview with the media, and recording about their trainings with mobile phones.

The Myitkyina News Journal, one of the largest news outlets in Kachin State with more than one million followers, was shut down by the junta today. The news agency announced on its social media network that it would suspend its works after seven years. To date, around 70 journalists have been arrested and more than five news outlets have been forced to closed. Twelve AIDS patients from the NLD AIDS Centre were arrested today, Mizzima reported. Among those arrested are three children, all of whom are taking ART (a drug taken by people living with HIV).

According to local media, the junta troops and the Chinland Defense Force (Hakha) clashed in Hakha, the capital of Chin State. The CDF has demanded the release of all detainees by 4 pm this evening, which the junta refused to follow. The shooting took place around 7 pm till 9 pm killing five members of the junta but no casualties from the CDF, according to the Chin World Media. Currently, there are five CDFs led by residents with chin traditional hunting rifles in five different places. The Vice Chief of Staff of KNU/KNLA Gen. Saw Baw Kyaw Heh has issued a letter in Karen language calling on all Karen armed groups, including the BGF, to work together to overthrow the military dictatorship. Currently, there are four Karen-based armed groups, the KNLA, the DKBA, the KNU/KNLA-PC and the BGF, urging them not to miss this opportunity after the 70 years of their armed struggles, Karen Information Centre reported in Burmese. In Karen State, there are reports that the military council is currently mobilizing BGF to fight against the KNU. 

The Chinese embassy in Myanmar has announced that 500,000 Covid-19 vaccines donated by China to Myanmar have arrived in Yangon today. Prior to the coup, India had donated more than 1 million vaccines to Myanmar. However, after the coup, the vaccination program has not been operated properly and there has been concern among the public that the Covid outbreak in neighbouring India could impact Myanmar badly soon.