2nd and 3rd July, 2021

 

Myanmar’s people, who launched #flowerstriketo mark the 76th birthday of Aung San Suu Kyi, today staged #funeralstrike on the 65th birthday of the coup leader. If the coup had not taken place, the coup leader would be required to retire from the military today. Coincidentally, the US government has additionally imposed sanctions on three foreign companies: two copper mining companies and one telecommunication, and 15 people associated with the junta.

Pyu Saw Htee group assassinated a couple who are former township executives of the National League for Democracy in Myingyan Township, Mandalay Region on the night of 2 July, according to Myanmar Now. Six days ago, this group released a list of 38 people including the names of the couple on social media. Similarly, Pyu Saw Htee (Mandalay) released a list of 62 NLD-affiliated members on 29 June. Pyu Saw Htee groups are reportedly made up of supporters of the junta and members of the USDP party. Khit Thit reported that a total of six people affiliated with the junta troops, including the junta-appointed local administrator, were assassinated across the country on 2 July.

On 2 July, fighting broke out between the PDF (Depayin) and junta troops in Depayin Township, Sagaing Region, killing 18 PDF members and 4 junta members, according to the statement of the PDF (Depayin). The NLD’s Magway Chief Minister Dr Aung Moe Nyo, who has been charged under various sections including the section 505 (b), was sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labour by the Magway Special Court. The junta accused the NUG of responsible for the deaths of more than 180 people since the coup, the BBC reported. As of 2 July, 888 civilians have been killed by the junta, according to the AAPP.

The country is believed to be undergoing a third wave of coronavirus infections as about 1,000 positive cases are being reported every day. Due to the limited testing capacity, many claimed that the actual number of infections could be much higher. Neighbouring countries have closed border crossings due to the country's high number of infections. The Irrawaddy reported that 114 out of 120 police officers who are attending officer training in Yangon are infected with the virus. According to several local media, there have been widespread outbreaks in the military bases across the country. The Norwegian telecom operator Telenor is reportedly going to sell its operations in the country, but Telenor has not yet commented on the rumours.