Myanmar anti-military protests can potentially take a turn for the worse as news of a woman being shot can make the agitations fiercer. As per news reports, the woman is in critical condition, fighting for her life. News of the incident broke on Wednesday morning while the shooting is understood to have taken place on Tuesday. Allegations that the military junta is using brutal force to quash protests are on the rise.

"Our sister got shot with live ammunition (yesterday), her condition is critical right now. Now we see the military is taking brutal action on us. But, we, young people, will lead the protest from various groups in every peaceful ways. We will keep fighting against the regime under our motto: the military dictatorship must fail," said Htet Shar Ko, a resident of Yangon.

The protesters are demanding that the power be restored to the democratically elected government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi. The military deposed Suu Kyi government in a coup on February 1, 2021.

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On Wednesday, Myanmar military stepped up the campaign of intimidation on the fifth consecutive day of nationwide protests.

Soldiers raided and ransacked the headquarters of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party on Tuesday night, after police shot water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets in a sudden escalation of force against the protests sweeping the country.

A doctor in Naypyidaw also confirmed the use of live rounds that left two people critically injured, but footage showed protesters in the capital were undeterred, returning to a blockade on a major highway on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

Condemning the use of force, United Nations special rapporteur Tom Andrews said the police fire had injured a young woman, images of whom have spread like wildfire online alongside expressions of grief and fury.

"They can shoot a young woman but they can't steal the hope &amp; resolve of a determined people," the human rights envoy wrote on Wednesday. "The world stands in solidarity with the protesters of Myanmar."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-police-fire-water-cannon-at-demonstrators-in-anti-military-protests-362361">Myanmar police fire water cannon at demonstrators in anti-military protests</a>

People of Myanmar found support from US too.

"We repeat our calls for the military to relinquish power, restore democratically elected government (and) release those detained," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters.

In Mandalay, the country's cultural capital and the seat of Myanmar's pre-colonial monarchy, witnesses saw security forces fire tear gas directly at protesters waving the red flags of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party.&nbsp;

State media claimed that the crowd had used "obscene language" and thrown objects at police, injuring four officers, in its first direct mention of the street protests since they began on the weekend.

"Therefore, the police members dispersed in accordance with the methods and laws," the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported, without mentioning other police confrontations elsewhere in the country.

Hundreds of protesters had returned to the streets of Yangon on Wednesday morning, where the day before a large crowd faced off against water cannon and a phalanx of riot police near Suu Kyi's residence.

(With AFP inputs)

Myanmar anti-military protests can potentially take a turn for the worse as news of a woman being shot can make the agitations fiercer. As per news reports, the woman is in critical condition, fighting for her life.

Myanmar anti-military protests can potentially take a turn for the worse as news of a woman being shot can make the agitations fiercer. As per news reports, the woman is in critical condition, fighting for her life. News of the incident broke on Wednesday morning while the shooting is understood to have taken place on Tuesday. Allegations that the military junta is using brutal force to quash protests are on the rise. "Our sister got shot with live ammunition (yesterday), her condition is critical right now. Now we see the military is taking brutal action on us. But, we, young people, will lead the protest from various groups in every peaceful ways. We will keep fighting against the regime under our motto: the military dictatorship must fail," said Htet Shar Ko, a resident of Yangon. The protesters are demanding that the power be restored to the democratically elected government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi. The military deposed Suu Kyi government in a coup on February 1, 2021. × On Wednesday, Myanmar military stepped up the campaign of intimidation on the fifth consecutive day of nationwide protests. Soldiers raided and ransacked the headquarters of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party on Tuesday night, after police shot water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets in a sudden escalation of force against the protests sweeping the country. A doctor in Naypyidaw also confirmed the use of live rounds that left two people critically injured, but footage showed protesters in the capital were undeterred, returning to a blockade on a major highway on Wednesday morning. Condemning the use of force, United Nations special rapporteur Tom Andrews said the police fire had injured a young woman, images of whom have spread like wildfire online alongside expressions of grief and fury. "They can shoot a young woman but they can't steal the hope & resolve of a determined people," the human rights envoy wrote on Wednesday. "The world stands in solidarity with the protesters of Myanmar." Also Read | Myanmar police fire water cannon at demonstrators in anti-military protests People of Myanmar found support from US too. "We repeat our calls for the military to relinquish power, restore democratically elected government (and) release those detained," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters. In Mandalay, the country's cultural capital and the seat of Myanmar's pre-colonial monarchy, witnesses saw security forces fire tear gas directly at protesters waving the red flags of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party. State media claimed that the crowd had used "obscene language" and thrown objects at police, injuring four officers, in its first direct mention of the street protests since they began on the weekend. "Therefore, the police members dispersed in accordance with the methods and laws," the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported, without mentioning other police confrontations elsewhere in the country. Hundreds of protesters had returned to the streets of Yangon on Wednesday morning, where the day before a large crowd faced off against water cannon and a phalanx of riot police near Suu Kyi's residence. (With AFP inputs)

Myanmar protests: Woman shot at as police open fire on demonstrators

Over a hundred people have been arrested as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-police-fire-water-cannon-at-demonstrators-in-anti-military-protests-362361">Myanmar</a> police began a crackdown on the anti-military protests. Police also started using live bullets and there has been at least one incident where a protester was fatally injured.

Watch:

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In other parts of Myanmar, police cracked down on demonstrators, firing warning shots and shooting water cannons to disperse crowds. According to party officials, the Myanmar military ransacked Suu Kyi's party headquarters.

Myanmar's state television meanwhile, reported injuries to police during attempts to disperse protesters it said were acting aggressively. The state television reported that a police truck had been destroyed at a demonstration in Mandalay.

Footage showed the aftermath, including injured police who it said had acted within the law. &nbsp;It described the protests as being orchestrated by people who wanted to harm the nation's stability, but made no mention of last week's coup.

The US has condemned the use of force against demonstrators.

"We strongly condemn violence against demonstrators, all individuals in Burma have rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly, including for the purpose of peaceful protest. We repeat our calls for the military to relinquish power, restore a democratically elected government, release those detained and lift all telecommunication restrictions and to refrain from violence," US State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

The protesters have been demanding that power be restored to the deposed government, and are seeking freedom for the nation's elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other ruling party members who have been detained since the military took over last week.

Over a hundred people have been arrested as Myanmar police began a crackdown on the anti-military protests. Police also started using live bullets and there has been at least one incident where a protester was fatally injured.

Over a hundred people have been arrested as Myanmar police began a crackdown on the anti-military protests. Police also started using live bullets and there has been at least one incident where a protester was fatally injured. Watch: In other parts of Myanmar, police cracked down on demonstrators, firing warning shots and shooting water cannons to disperse crowds. According to party officials, the Myanmar military ransacked Suu Kyi's party headquarters. Myanmar's state television meanwhile, reported injuries to police during attempts to disperse protesters it said were acting aggressively. The state television reported that a police truck had been destroyed at a demonstration in Mandalay. Footage showed the aftermath, including injured police who it said had acted within the law. It described the protests as being orchestrated by people who wanted to harm the nation's stability, but made no mention of last week's coup. The US has condemned the use of force against demonstrators. "We strongly condemn violence against demonstrators, all individuals in Burma have rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly, including for the purpose of peaceful protest. We repeat our calls for the military to relinquish power, restore a democratically elected government, release those detained and lift all telecommunication restrictions and to refrain from violence," US State Department spokesman Ned Price said. The protesters have been demanding that power be restored to the deposed government, and are seeking freedom for the nation's elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other ruling party members who have been detained since the military took over last week.

Police fire live bullets during anti-military protests in Myanmar; one injured

The Myanmar military government on Tuesday disallowed US request to speak to Aung San Suu Kyi amid protests in the country over the coup which took place last Monday.

Myanmar military govt rejects request to speak with Suu Kyi: U.S.

A campaign of Civil Disobedience has swept through Myanmar. Doctors and nurses are protesting as they want Aung San Suu Kyi released. But it seems Myanmar has completely forgotten about Coronavirus.

Civil disobedience movement obstructs Myanmar COVID-19 vaccination program

A few days after the military coup in Myanmar and detainment of several senior leaders, Pope Francis has intervened and urged the Myanmar military to release the detained leaders.

Pope Francis, on Monday, called for Myanmar's political leaders to be "promptly released". He made the request in a speech to ambassadors to the Holy See.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/protests-erupt-in-myanmar-for-third-consecutive-day-against-military-coup-362069">&nbsp;Protests erupt in Myanmar for third consecutive day against military coup</a>

This is the second time the Pope has intervened and spoked about the matter of Myanmar's military coup in the last two days. Before this, on Sunday he had used the recital of the Angelus prayer to express "solidarity with the people" of Myanmar.

"In these days, my thoughts turn particularly to the people of Myanmar, to whom I express my affection and closeness," he said on Monday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/internet-access-restored-as-myanmar-coup-protests-grow-361966" hreflang="en">Internet access restored as Myanmar coup protests grow</a>

"The path to democracy undertaken in recent years was brusquely interrupted by last week's coup d'etat," Pope Francis said, according to the official translation of his comments.&nbsp; "This has led to the imprisonment of different political leaders, who I hope will be promptly released as a sign of encouragement for a sincere dialogue aimed at the good of the country," he continued.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-fresh-rally-draws-crowds-demanding-end-of-dictatorship-362119">WATCH|</a>

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Pope Francis had visited Myanmar in 2017 and has since then held the people of the country close to his heart.

Meanwhile, the generals of Myanmar have warned the locals against the ongoing protests in the country where the locals have been taking to the streets to raise their voices against the illegal detainment of the popular leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and nearly a dozen more other senior leaders of the National League for Democracy Party.

A few days after the military coup in Myanmar and detainment of several senior leaders, Pope Francis has intervened and urged the Myanmar military to release the detained leaders.

A few days after the military coup in Myanmar and detainment of several senior leaders, Pope Francis has intervened and urged the Myanmar military to release the detained leaders. Pope Francis, on Monday, called for Myanmar's political leaders to be "promptly released". He made the request in a speech to ambassadors to the Holy See. Also read| Protests erupt in Myanmar for third consecutive day against military coup This is the second time the Pope has intervened and spoked about the matter of Myanmar's military coup in the last two days. Before this, on Sunday he had used the recital of the Angelus prayer to express "solidarity with the people" of Myanmar. "In these days, my thoughts turn particularly to the people of Myanmar, to whom I express my affection and closeness," he said on Monday. Also read| Internet access restored as Myanmar coup protests grow "The path to democracy undertaken in recent years was brusquely interrupted by last week's coup d'etat," Pope Francis said, according to the official translation of his comments. "This has led to the imprisonment of different political leaders, who I hope will be promptly released as a sign of encouragement for a sincere dialogue aimed at the good of the country," he continued. WATCH| Pope Francis had visited Myanmar in 2017 and has since then held the people of the country close to his heart. Meanwhile, the generals of Myanmar have warned the locals against the ongoing protests in the country where the locals have been taking to the streets to raise their voices against the illegal detainment of the popular leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and nearly a dozen more other senior leaders of the National League for Democracy Party.

Pope Francis urges Myanmar military to immediately release detained leaders

Spirit of the thousands of protesters who have been marching through the streets of Myanmar's biggest city saw an uptick on Sunday with the return of internet services that had been blocked a day earlier.

Norwegian telecoms provider Telenor has restored its data network in Myanmar, the company said.

"Telenor Myanmar has restored the data network nationwide, following instruction from the MoTC [Myanmar Ministry of Transport and Communications]," the firm said in a statement.

Authorities had cut access to the internet as the protests grew Saturday, fanning fears of a complete information blackout. On Sunday afternoon, however, internet users in Yangon reported that data access on their mobile phones had suddenly been restored.

Sunday saw people rallying across Myanmar to denounce last week's coup and demand the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in the biggest protests since the 2007 Saffron Revolution that helped lead to democratic reforms.

Crowds in the biggest city, Yangon, sported red shirts, red flags and red balloons, the colour of Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy Party (NLD).

"We don’t want military dictatorship! We want democracy!" they chanted.

In one of the gatherings, at least 2,000 labour union and student activists and members of the public gathered at a major intersection near Yangon University.

Massive crowds from all corners of Yangon gathered in townships, filling streets as they headed towards the Sule Pagoda at the heart of the city, also a rallying point during the Buddhist monk-led 2007 protests and others in 1988.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-thousands-of-protesters-take-to-streets-again-361884">Also read |&nbsp;Thousands of protesters take to streets again</a>

A line of armed police with riot shields set up barricades, but did not try to stop the demonstration. Some marchers presented police with flowers as a sign of peace.

Protesters gestured with the three-finger salute that has become a symbol of protest against the coup. Drivers honked their horns and passengers held up photos of Suu Kyi.

An internal note for UN staff estimated that 1,000 people joined a protest in Naypyidaw while there were 60,000 in Yangon alone. Protests were reported in the second city of Mandalay and many towns and even villages across the country of 53 million people that stretches from Indian Ocean islands to the fringes of the Himalayas.

The demonstrations have largely been peaceful, unlike the bloody crackdowns seen in 1998 and 2007.

Suu Kyi, 75, faces charges of illegally importing six walkie-talkies and is being held in police detention for investigation until February 15. Her lawyer said he has not been allowed to see her.

She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for campaigning for democracy, and spent nearly 15 years under house arrest during decades of struggling to end almost half a century of army rule before the start of a troubled transition to democracy in 2011.

Army commander Min Aung Hlaing carried out the coup on the grounds of fraud in a November 8 election in which Suu Kyi's party won a landslide. The electoral commission dismissed the allegations of malpractice.

The military has accused Suu Kyi and her party of failing to act on its complaints that last November's election was marred by fraud, though the election commission said it had found no evidence to support the claims.

(with inputs from agencies)

Spirit of the thousands of protesters who have been marching through the streets of Myanmar's biggest city saw an uptick on Sunday with the return of internet services that had been blocked a day earlier.

Spirit of the thousands of protesters who have been marching through the streets of Myanmar's biggest city saw an uptick on Sunday with the return of internet services that had been blocked a day earlier. Norwegian telecoms provider Telenor has restored its data network in Myanmar, the company said. "Telenor Myanmar has restored the data network nationwide, following instruction from the MoTC [Myanmar Ministry of Transport and Communications]," the firm said in a statement. Authorities had cut access to the internet as the protests grew Saturday, fanning fears of a complete information blackout. On Sunday afternoon, however, internet users in Yangon reported that data access on their mobile phones had suddenly been restored. Sunday saw people rallying across Myanmar to denounce last week's coup and demand the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in the biggest protests since the 2007 Saffron Revolution that helped lead to democratic reforms. Crowds in the biggest city, Yangon, sported red shirts, red flags and red balloons, the colour of Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy Party (NLD). "We don’t want military dictatorship! We want democracy!" they chanted. In one of the gatherings, at least 2,000 labour union and student activists and members of the public gathered at a major intersection near Yangon University. Massive crowds from all corners of Yangon gathered in townships, filling streets as they headed towards the Sule Pagoda at the heart of the city, also a rallying point during the Buddhist monk-led 2007 protests and others in 1988. Also read | Thousands of protesters take to streets again A line of armed police with riot shields set up barricades, but did not try to stop the demonstration. Some marchers presented police with flowers as a sign of peace. Protesters gestured with the three-finger salute that has become a symbol of protest against the coup. Drivers honked their horns and passengers held up photos of Suu Kyi. An internal note for UN staff estimated that 1,000 people joined a protest in Naypyidaw while there were 60,000 in Yangon alone. Protests were reported in the second city of Mandalay and many towns and even villages across the country of 53 million people that stretches from Indian Ocean islands to the fringes of the Himalayas. The demonstrations have largely been peaceful, unlike the bloody crackdowns seen in 1998 and 2007. Suu Kyi, 75, faces charges of illegally importing six walkie-talkies and is being held in police detention for investigation until February 15. Her lawyer said he has not been allowed to see her. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for campaigning for democracy, and spent nearly 15 years under house arrest during decades of struggling to end almost half a century of army rule before the start of a troubled transition to democracy in 2011. Army commander Min Aung Hlaing carried out the coup on the grounds of fraud in a November 8 election in which Suu Kyi's party won a landslide. The electoral commission dismissed the allegations of malpractice. The military has accused Suu Kyi and her party of failing to act on its complaints that last November's election was marred by fraud, though the election commission said it had found no evidence to support the claims. (with inputs from agencies)

Internet access restored as Myanmar coup protests grow

In order to keep a tab on the growing protests against the country's new military regime, Myanmar junta has initiated a nationwide internet blackout. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The development seems to have backfired as Myanmar witnessed its largest anti-coup protests yet on Saturday.&nbsp;

In a bid to denounce the regime, young demonstrators spilled on to the streets, many donning red headbands -- the colour associated with ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party. &nbsp;

Around 1,000 demonstrators marched on a road near Yangon University, most holding up the three-finger salute that has come to symbolise resistance to the army takeover. The crowd yelled, "Down with the military dictatorship!" &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-restricts-twitter-as-outrage-over-coup-grows-361666">Myanmar restricts Twitter as outrage over coup grows</a>

A large police contingent blocked nearby roads with two water cannon trucks parked at the scene. &nbsp;

The march came as Myanmar was plunged into its second nationwide internet blackout this week, similar in magnitude to an earlier shutdown that coincided with the arrest of Suu Kyi and other senior leaders on Monday.&nbsp;

Those dawn raids brought a sudden halt to Myanmar's brief 10-year experiment with democracy, and catalysed an outpouring of fury that has migrated from social media to the streets.&nbsp;

Online calls to protest the army takeover have prompted increasingly bold displays of defiance against the new regime, including the nightly deafening clamour of people around the country banging pots and pans -- a practice traditionally associated with driving out evil.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Some have shown their opposition by gathering for group photographs with banners decrying the coup and flashing a three-finger salute earlier adopted by democracy protesters in neighbouring Thailand.&nbsp;

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said a special envoy to the country had made 'first contact' with Myanmar's deputy military commander to urge the junta to relinquish power to the civilian government it toppled.&nbsp;

"We will do everything we can to make the international community united in making sure that conditions are created for this coup to be reversed," he told reporters on Friday. &nbsp;

State media in Myanmar reported on Saturday that junta figures had spoken with diplomats the previous day to respond to an international outcry and asked them to work with the new leaders. &nbsp;

"The Government understand the concerns of the international community on the continuation of Myanmar's democratic transition process," International Cooperation Minister Ko Ko Hlaing said in the meeting, according to the report.&nbsp;

In order to keep a tab on the growing protests against the country's new military regime, Myanmar junta has initiated a nationwide internet blackout. The development seems to have backfired as Myanmar witnessed its largest anti-coup protests yet on Saturday.

In order to keep a tab on the growing protests against the country's new military regime, Myanmar junta has initiated a nationwide internet blackout. The development seems to have backfired as Myanmar witnessed its largest anti-coup protests yet on Saturday. In a bid to denounce the regime, young demonstrators spilled on to the streets, many donning red headbands -- the colour associated with ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party. Around 1,000 demonstrators marched on a road near Yangon University, most holding up the three-finger salute that has come to symbolise resistance to the army takeover. The crowd yelled, "Down with the military dictatorship!" Also read | Myanmar restricts Twitter as outrage over coup grows A large police contingent blocked nearby roads with two water cannon trucks parked at the scene. The march came as Myanmar was plunged into its second nationwide internet blackout this week, similar in magnitude to an earlier shutdown that coincided with the arrest of Suu Kyi and other senior leaders on Monday. Those dawn raids brought a sudden halt to Myanmar's brief 10-year experiment with democracy, and catalysed an outpouring of fury that has migrated from social media to the streets. Online calls to protest the army takeover have prompted increasingly bold displays of defiance against the new regime, including the nightly deafening clamour of people around the country banging pots and pans -- a practice traditionally associated with driving out evil. Some have shown their opposition by gathering for group photographs with banners decrying the coup and flashing a three-finger salute earlier adopted by democracy protesters in neighbouring Thailand. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said a special envoy to the country had made 'first contact' with Myanmar's deputy military commander to urge the junta to relinquish power to the civilian government it toppled. "We will do everything we can to make the international community united in making sure that conditions are created for this coup to be reversed," he told reporters on Friday. State media in Myanmar reported on Saturday that junta figures had spoken with diplomats the previous day to respond to an international outcry and asked them to work with the new leaders. "The Government understand the concerns of the international community on the continuation of Myanmar's democratic transition process," International Cooperation Minister Ko Ko Hlaing said in the meeting, according to the report.

Myanmar’s nationwide internet blackout triggers protests’ surge

Myanmar: Art, noise campaign in full swing as protests against coup get global support

The citizens of Myanmar are fighting back. Protesters have hit the streets. A group of teachers and students have launched a civil disobedience movement.

Gravitas: Citizens of Myanmar launch a civil disobedience movement

An Australian economic advisor to Myanmar's deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained in the country following a military coup.&nbsp;

Macquarie University professor Sean Turnell is the first foreign national confirmed arrested by the new military junta since it took power on Monday after detaining Suu Kyi and other senior politicians from her National League for Democracy (NLD) party.

Turnell is a professor of economics at Macquarie University in Sydney and has been advising Suu Kyi on economic policy for several years.

According to BBC, it was unclear where Turnell was being held. Earlier he told BBC he was confined to his hotel.&nbsp;

Australia's foreign ministry said in a statement late on Saturday that it was "deeply concerned about reports of Australian and other foreign nationals being detained arbitrarily in Myanmar."

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said her government had "serious concerns about an Australian who has been detained at a police station," without naming the professor. It added that the Myanmar ambassador had been called in over "reports of Australian and other foreign nationals being detained arbitrarily in Yangon".&nbsp;

Macquarie University said it was aware of reports of Turnell's arrest, adding it fully supported "both his work in Myanmar and the efforts of the Australian Government to secure his swift release".

Myanmar army generals, who seized power alleging fraud in a Nov. 8 election that Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won in a landslide, shut down the internet on Saturday as thousands took to the streets of Yangon to denounce this week's coup.

Also, on Saturday, several thousand protesters gathered in Australia's second-largest city of Melbourne denouncing the coup and demanding the release of Suu Kyi.

Television and social media footage showed people wearing the red colour of the NLD, carrying portraits of Suu Kyi and singing "We Won't Be Satisfied Until The End Of The World", the Burmese language anthem from the country’s 1988 pro-democracy uprising, brutally put down by the military government.

They also yelled: "Down with the military dictatorship!" and&nbsp;waved&nbsp;red flags, the colour of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

An Australian economic advisor to Myanmar's deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained in the country following a military coup. Macquarie University professor Sean Turnell is the first foreign national confirmed arrested by the new military junta since it took power on Monday after detaining Suu Kyi and other senior politicians from her National League for Democracy (NLD) party.

An Australian economic advisor to Myanmar's deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained in the country following a military coup. Macquarie University professor Sean Turnell is the first foreign national confirmed arrested by the new military junta since it took power on Monday after detaining Suu Kyi and other senior politicians from her National League for Democracy (NLD) party. Turnell is a professor of economics at Macquarie University in Sydney and has been advising Suu Kyi on economic policy for several years. According to BBC, it was unclear where Turnell was being held. Earlier he told BBC he was confined to his hotel. Australia's foreign ministry said in a statement late on Saturday that it was "deeply concerned about reports of Australian and other foreign nationals being detained arbitrarily in Myanmar." Foreign Minister Marise Payne said her government had "serious concerns about an Australian who has been detained at a police station," without naming the professor. It added that the Myanmar ambassador had been called in over "reports of Australian and other foreign nationals being detained arbitrarily in Yangon". Macquarie University said it was aware of reports of Turnell's arrest, adding it fully supported "both his work in Myanmar and the efforts of the Australian Government to secure his swift release". Myanmar army generals, who seized power alleging fraud in a Nov. 8 election that Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won in a landslide, shut down the internet on Saturday as thousands took to the streets of Yangon to denounce this week's coup. Also, on Saturday, several thousand protesters gathered in Australia's second-largest city of Melbourne denouncing the coup and demanding the release of Suu Kyi. Television and social media footage showed people wearing the red colour of the NLD, carrying portraits of Suu Kyi and singing "We Won't Be Satisfied Until The End Of The World", the Burmese language anthem from the country’s 1988 pro-democracy uprising, brutally put down by the military government. They also yelled: "Down with the military dictatorship!" and waved red flags, the colour of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party. (with inputs from agencies)

Australian advisor to Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi detained

The United Nations Security Council on Thursday issued a press statement expressing concern&nbsp;over the developments in Myanmar and called for the release of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.

The statement said, "members of the Security Council expressed deep concern at the declaration of the state of emergency imposed in Myanmar by the military" and the "arbitrary detention of members of the Government, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint and others. They called for the immediate release of all those detained."

On Monday the country saw a bloodless coup with the military overthrowing the civilian government in an action that led to strong reactions globally. Interestingly, the UNSC statement doesn't use the word coup.

UNSC members in the statement "emphasized the need for the continued support of the democratic transition in Myanmar" and "stressed the need to uphold democratic institutions and processes, refrain from violence, and fully respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law."

The country saw elections last year with National League for Democracy getting huge support. The actions by the military halts the democratic transition for the country, which started in 2010 after the release of Aung San Suu kyi.

The top UN body "encouraged the pursuance of dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar". Concerns have also been expressed at the "restrictions on civil society, journalists and media workers" in the statement.&nbsp;

The UNSC had met on Tuesday to discuss the issue. UK is the president of the UNSC for this month and had backed the discussion on the issue at the high table. &nbsp;The statement mentions the Rohingya crisis with the UNSC members reiterating the "need to address the root causes of the crisis in Rakhine State and to create conditions necessary for the safe, voluntary, sustainable, and dignified return of displaced persons."

The statement saw strong support to regional organizations, in particular the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and welcomed the ASEAN Chair’s Statement dated 1 February 2021 on the issue. The ASEAN statement called for adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and good governance. 
&nbsp;

The United Nations Security Council on Thursday issued a press statement expressing concern over the developments in Myanmar and called for the release of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.

The United Nations Security Council on Thursday issued a press statement expressing concern over the developments in Myanmar and called for the release of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. The statement said, "members of the Security Council expressed deep concern at the declaration of the state of emergency imposed in Myanmar by the military" and the "arbitrary detention of members of the Government, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint and others. They called for the immediate release of all those detained." On Monday the country saw a bloodless coup with the military overthrowing the civilian government in an action that led to strong reactions globally. Interestingly, the UNSC statement doesn't use the word coup. UNSC members in the statement "emphasized the need for the continued support of the democratic transition in Myanmar" and "stressed the need to uphold democratic institutions and processes, refrain from violence, and fully respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law." The country saw elections last year with National League for Democracy getting huge support. The actions by the military halts the democratic transition for the country, which started in 2010 after the release of Aung San Suu kyi. The top UN body "encouraged the pursuance of dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar". Concerns have also been expressed at the "restrictions on civil society, journalists and media workers" in the statement. The UNSC had met on Tuesday to discuss the issue. UK is the president of the UNSC for this month and had backed the discussion on the issue at the high table. The statement mentions the Rohingya crisis with the UNSC members reiterating the "need to address the root causes of the crisis in Rakhine State and to create conditions necessary for the safe, voluntary, sustainable, and dignified return of displaced persons." The statement saw strong support to regional organizations, in particular the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and welcomed the ASEAN Chair’s Statement dated 1 February 2021 on the issue. The ASEAN statement called for adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and good governance.

Myanmar coup: UNSC expresses concern, calls for Aung San Suu Kyi's release

Another key aide of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi was among the 30 people who were detained over pot-banging protests against a military coup as shows of anger gathered pace on Friday. The said protesters were arrested in Myanmar's second city of Mandalay.

Myanmar police arrested 79-year-old Win Htein, a stalwart of Suu Kyi, who was repeatedly imprisoned during their decades of struggling against previous juntas that led to the unsteady transition to democracy that began in 2011.

International pressure on the junta was also growing with the UN Security Council calling for the release of Suu Kyi and other leaders and US President Joe Biden considering sanctions on the ruling generals.

Eleven Media quoted Maung Maung Aye, deputy head of the regional police force, as saying they were accused of breaking a law against "causing noise in public streets". A teenager was among others arrested elsewhere over the noisy protests.

Following Win Htein's arrest, around 200 teachers and students at Yangon's Dagon University staged a rally where they displayed a three-finger salute borrowed from Thailand's democracy movements, and sang a popular revolution song.

In addition to this, a representative of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy said Friday she was being held at her residence in Naypyidaw, the country's capital, and was "in good health".

Monday's putsch ended the country's 10-year dalliance with democracy that followed decades of oppressive junta rule, and sparked outrage and calls by US President Joe Biden for the generals to relinquish power.&nbsp;

Students chanted "Long live Mother Suu" and carried red flags, the colour of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party.&nbsp;

A similar protest took place across town in Yangon University.&nbsp;In the capital Naypyidaw, dozens of employees from several government ministries posed for group photographs wearing red ribbons and flashing the democracy symbol.

Ahead of his arrest, Win Htein told local media the military putsch had called on people in the country to "oppose (the coup) as much as they can".

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a Yangon-based group that monitors political arrests in Myanmar, more than 130 officials and lawmakers have been detained.&nbsp;

Telecom providers in the country were ordered to cut access to Facebook, the main means of communication and accessing the internet for millions of people in Myanmar.

With Facebook stifled, more Myanmar people have moved to Twitter in recent days or started using VPN services to bypass the blockade.

A so-called Civil Disobedience Movement has gathered steam online, calling on the public to voice opposition every night by banging pots and clanging cymbals to show their anger

So far, at least 14 activists and prominent pro-democracy figures have been arrested, according to AAPP.&nbsp;

The nephew of filmmaker Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi -- who has previously been jailed for criticising the military -- confirmed Friday his outspoken uncle had been picked up on the morning of the coup.

(with inputs from agencies)

Another key aide of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi was among the 30 people who were detained over pot-banging protests against a military coup as shows of anger gathered pace on Friday.

Another key aide of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi was among the 30 people who were detained over pot-banging protests against a military coup as shows of anger gathered pace on Friday. The said protesters were arrested in Myanmar's second city of Mandalay. Myanmar police arrested 79-year-old Win Htein, a stalwart of Suu Kyi, who was repeatedly imprisoned during their decades of struggling against previous juntas that led to the unsteady transition to democracy that began in 2011. International pressure on the junta was also growing with the UN Security Council calling for the release of Suu Kyi and other leaders and US President Joe Biden considering sanctions on the ruling generals. Eleven Media quoted Maung Maung Aye, deputy head of the regional police force, as saying they were accused of breaking a law against "causing noise in public streets". A teenager was among others arrested elsewhere over the noisy protests. Following Win Htein's arrest, around 200 teachers and students at Yangon's Dagon University staged a rally where they displayed a three-finger salute borrowed from Thailand's democracy movements, and sang a popular revolution song. In addition to this, a representative of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy said Friday she was being held at her residence in Naypyidaw, the country's capital, and was "in good health". Monday's putsch ended the country's 10-year dalliance with democracy that followed decades of oppressive junta rule, and sparked outrage and calls by US President Joe Biden for the generals to relinquish power. Students chanted "Long live Mother Suu" and carried red flags, the colour of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party. A similar protest took place across town in Yangon University. In the capital Naypyidaw, dozens of employees from several government ministries posed for group photographs wearing red ribbons and flashing the democracy symbol. Ahead of his arrest, Win Htein told local media the military putsch had called on people in the country to "oppose (the coup) as much as they can". According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a Yangon-based group that monitors political arrests in Myanmar, more than 130 officials and lawmakers have been detained. Telecom providers in the country were ordered to cut access to Facebook, the main means of communication and accessing the internet for millions of people in Myanmar. With Facebook stifled, more Myanmar people have moved to Twitter in recent days or started using VPN services to bypass the blockade. A so-called Civil Disobedience Movement has gathered steam online, calling on the public to voice opposition every night by banging pots and clanging cymbals to show their anger So far, at least 14 activists and prominent pro-democracy figures have been arrested, according to AAPP. The nephew of filmmaker Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi -- who has previously been jailed for criticising the military -- confirmed Friday his outspoken uncle had been picked up on the morning of the coup. (with inputs from agencies)

Myanmar police step up arrests as anti-coup protests grow

The 79-year-old NLD stalwart is a longtime political prisoner. He has spent lengthy periods in and out for detention for protesting against military rule.

Myanmar military arrests key Aung San Suu Kyi aide

Citizens of Myanmar are reaching out to WION with requests for help. Our Executive Editor Palki Sharma reads some messages that we received.

Gravitas: Myanmar Citizens reach out to WION

At least 147 people have been detained in Myanmar since this week's coup, including activists, lawmakers and officials from the ousted government of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said on Thursday.

The AAPP, which has tracked political detainees in Myanmar since the era of the previous junta, said 133 officials or lawmakers and 14 civil society activists were being held.&nbsp;

Myanmar again went back to military rule on Monday after soldiers detained de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders in several raids.&nbsp;

The event ended Myanmar's brief experiment with democracy and took place days after Suu Kyi won the re-election with a strong mandate.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a Myanmar court has charged ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi with breaching an import and export law.

The document from a police station in the capital Naypyitaw said military officers who searched Suu Kyi's residence had found hand-held radios that were imported illegally and used without permission.

President Win Myint, who was also detained by the military in Monday's coup, has also been charged under the National Disaster Management law.

The Group of Seven largest developed economies condemned the coup on Wednesday and said the election result must be respected.

Myanmar's military rulers have blocked access to social media platforms.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 147 people have been detained in Myanmar since this week's coup, including activists, lawmakers and officials from the ousted government of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said on Thursday.

At least 147 people have been detained in Myanmar since this week's coup, including activists, lawmakers and officials from the ousted government of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said on Thursday. The AAPP, which has tracked political detainees in Myanmar since the era of the previous junta, said 133 officials or lawmakers and 14 civil society activists were being held. Myanmar again went back to military rule on Monday after soldiers detained de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders in several raids. The event ended Myanmar's brief experiment with democracy and took place days after Suu Kyi won the re-election with a strong mandate. Meanwhile, a Myanmar court has charged ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi with breaching an import and export law. The document from a police station in the capital Naypyitaw said military officers who searched Suu Kyi's residence had found hand-held radios that were imported illegally and used without permission. President Win Myint, who was also detained by the military in Monday's coup, has also been charged under the National Disaster Management law. The Group of Seven largest developed economies condemned the coup on Wednesday and said the election result must be respected. Myanmar's military rulers have blocked access to social media platforms. (With inputs from agencies)

Activists, lawmakers and officials: 147 people detained in Myanmar since coup

India has called for a balanced approach on Myanmar at the United Nations Security Council meeting that took place on Tuesday even as the UK-backed draft is still being considered. New Delhi's balanced approach, which has been perceived as a very constructive one, calls for support for the democratic process in the country, given it is a neighboring country.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The UNSC has not yet been able to come up with any statement on the coup in the country when the meeting took place on 2nd February. In the aftermath of the bloodless coup staged by the military in Myanmar, India's Ministry of External Affairs in a statement had expressed its "deep concern", calling for upholding of the "rule of law and the democratic process".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-do-everything-possible-to-make-sure-myanmar-coup-fails-un-chief-361184">Will do everything possible to make sure Myanmar coup fails: UN chief</a>

India has a close relationship with the country. While Aung San Suu Kyi's India connect is well known, including her education in India and through her father Aung San, New Delhi has been able to build close military cooperation with Myanmar's military--especially in terms of counter-insurgency operations in border areas. Last year, Myanmar inducted INS Sindhuvir which was given by India. It was inducted as UMS Minye Theinkhathu and is the country's only submarine.

UK is the president of the core UN body for this month and as the chair, decides on the key issues that can be raised and scheduling of the talks on global issues. UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab in a tweet had said, "As President of the @UN Security Council we brought forward an emergency meeting on Myanmar to fast-track necessary discussions on what should be done."

The draft has called for the removal of the state of emergency and reinstatement of democratic norms, according to media reports quoting the leaked document. While UNSC is working on a common press statement on the coup in the country, especially in the face of differing views expressed primarily by China, it is expected that perhaps in the next stage, talks may resume to put more pressure if there is no progress. However, it is clear that forming a consensus on this contentious issue will be a difficult task. 
&nbsp;

India has called for a balanced approach on Myanmar at the United Nations Security Council meeting that took place on Tuesday even as the UK-backed draft is still being considered.

India has called for a balanced approach on Myanmar at the United Nations Security Council meeting that took place on Tuesday even as the UK-backed draft is still being considered. New Delhi's balanced approach, which has been perceived as a very constructive one, calls for support for the democratic process in the country, given it is a neighboring country. Watch | The UNSC has not yet been able to come up with any statement on the coup in the country when the meeting took place on 2nd February. In the aftermath of the bloodless coup staged by the military in Myanmar, India's Ministry of External Affairs in a statement had expressed its "deep concern", calling for upholding of the "rule of law and the democratic process". Also read | Will do everything possible to make sure Myanmar coup fails: UN chief India has a close relationship with the country. While Aung San Suu Kyi's India connect is well known, including her education in India and through her father Aung San, New Delhi has been able to build close military cooperation with Myanmar's military--especially in terms of counter-insurgency operations in border areas. Last year, Myanmar inducted INS Sindhuvir which was given by India. It was inducted as UMS Minye Theinkhathu and is the country's only submarine. UK is the president of the core UN body for this month and as the chair, decides on the key issues that can be raised and scheduling of the talks on global issues. UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab in a tweet had said, "As President of the @UN Security Council we brought forward an emergency meeting on Myanmar to fast-track necessary discussions on what should be done." The draft has called for the removal of the state of emergency and reinstatement of democratic norms, according to media reports quoting the leaked document. While UNSC is working on a common press statement on the coup in the country, especially in the face of differing views expressed primarily by China, it is expected that perhaps in the next stage, talks may resume to put more pressure if there is no progress. However, it is clear that forming a consensus on this contentious issue will be a difficult task.

India backs a balanced approach on Myanmar at UNSC

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday said that he would do everything possible to put pressure on Myanmar and "make sure that this coup fails".&nbsp;

Myanmar again went back to military rule on Monday after soldiers detained de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders in several raids.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-myanmar-citizens-reach-out-to-wion-361173/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

The event ended Myanmar's brief experiment with democracy and took place days after Suu Kyi won the re-election with a strong mandate.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-coup-aung-san-suu-kyi-charged-with-breaking-importexport-law-361070">Myanmar coup: Aung San Suu Kyi charged with breaking 'import/export law'</a>

"We will do everything we can to mobilize all the key actors and international community to put enough pressure on Myanmar to make sure that this coup fails," Guterres told The Washington Post.

"After elections that I believe took place normally and after a large period of transition, it's absolutely unacceptable to reverse the results of the elections and the will of the people."

Speaking on the indictment of Suu Kyi, the UN Secretary-General said if she can be accused, it's for being "too close to the military" and for protecting "too much of the military".&nbsp;

"I hope that democracy will be able to make progress again in Myanmar but for that all the prisoners must be released, the constitutional order must be reestablished," Guterres said.&nbsp;

He also criticised the Security Council for its failure to issue a common statement on the coup after an emergency meeting was initiated by the UK.&nbsp;

The draft text that was proposed at the beginning of the week for negotiation and accessed by news agency AFP said that the Security Council would condemn the coup and ask the Myanmarese military to "immediately release those unlawfully detained."

It also demanded that the state of emergency for one year must be repealed.&nbsp;

As of Wednesday evening, negotiations are ongoing with 15 Council members, particularly with China and Russia, which blocked Tuesday's adoption of the statement.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday said that he would do everything possible to put pressure on Myanmar and "make sure that this coup fails". Myanmar again went back to military rule on Monday after soldiers detained de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders in several raids.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday said that he would do everything possible to put pressure on Myanmar and "make sure that this coup fails". Myanmar again went back to military rule on Monday after soldiers detained de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders in several raids. Watch | The event ended Myanmar's brief experiment with democracy and took place days after Suu Kyi won the re-election with a strong mandate. Also read | Myanmar coup: Aung San Suu Kyi charged with breaking 'import/export law' "We will do everything we can to mobilize all the key actors and international community to put enough pressure on Myanmar to make sure that this coup fails," Guterres told The Washington Post. "After elections that I believe took place normally and after a large period of transition, it's absolutely unacceptable to reverse the results of the elections and the will of the people." Speaking on the indictment of Suu Kyi, the UN Secretary-General said if she can be accused, it's for being "too close to the military" and for protecting "too much of the military". "I hope that democracy will be able to make progress again in Myanmar but for that all the prisoners must be released, the constitutional order must be reestablished," Guterres said. He also criticised the Security Council for its failure to issue a common statement on the coup after an emergency meeting was initiated by the UK. The draft text that was proposed at the beginning of the week for negotiation and accessed by news agency AFP said that the Security Council would condemn the coup and ask the Myanmarese military to "immediately release those unlawfully detained." It also demanded that the state of emergency for one year must be repealed. As of Wednesday evening, negotiations are ongoing with 15 Council members, particularly with China and Russia, which blocked Tuesday's adoption of the statement.

Will do everything possible to make sure Myanmar coup fails: UN chief

Internet providers in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-blocks-un-security-council-statement-condemning-myanmar-coup-361052"> Myanmar</a> including state-owned telecom MPT have blocked access to Facebook services in the country. The crackdown on internet services comes days after military leaders seized power in a coup.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-myanmar-citizens-reach-out-to-wion-361173/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A letter posted online by the ministry of communications and information overnight said that Facebook will be blocked until &nbsp;February 7 "for the sake of stability".

The ministry's letter to telecom operators said that, "Currently the people who are troubling the country’s stability are spreading fake news and misinformation and causing misunderstanding among people by using Facebook."

Facebook spokesman Andy Stone acknowledged the disruption while urging authorities to restore connectivity "so that people in Myanmar can communicate with their families and friends and access important information."

Almost half of Myanmar’s 53 million people use Facebook which for many is synonymous with the internet. Meanwhile, &nbsp;Myanmar court charged Aung San Suu Kyi with breaching an import and export law just days after the military coup in which several leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD) were detained.

A court in Naypyidaw had remanded Suu Kyi to 14-day custody including &nbsp;President Win Myint. The NLD had won the elections in November by a landslide, however, the military had accused the elections was riddled with voter fraud.

The US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-in-touch-with-japan-india-in-the-aftermath-of-myanmar-coup-361010">State Department </a>said &nbsp;it was "disturbed" by the charges levelled on &nbsp;Suu Kyi, saying: "We call on the military to immediately release them all."

The Myanmar military had declared a one-year state of emergency soon after the coup on Monday.

Internet providers in Myanmar including state-owned telecom MPT have blocked access to Facebook services in the country. The crackdown on internet services comes days after military leaders seized power in a coup.

Internet providers in Myanmar including state-owned telecom MPT have blocked access to Facebook services in the country. The crackdown on internet services comes days after military leaders seized power in a coup. Watch: A letter posted online by the ministry of communications and information overnight said that Facebook will be blocked until February 7 "for the sake of stability". The ministry's letter to telecom operators said that, "Currently the people who are troubling the country’s stability are spreading fake news and misinformation and causing misunderstanding among people by using Facebook." Facebook spokesman Andy Stone acknowledged the disruption while urging authorities to restore connectivity "so that people in Myanmar can communicate with their families and friends and access important information." Almost half of Myanmar’s 53 million people use Facebook which for many is synonymous with the internet. Meanwhile, Myanmar court charged Aung San Suu Kyi with breaching an import and export law just days after the military coup in which several leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD) were detained. A court in Naypyidaw had remanded Suu Kyi to 14-day custody including President Win Myint. The NLD had won the elections in November by a landslide, however, the military had accused the elections was riddled with voter fraud. The US State Department said it was "disturbed" by the charges levelled on Suu Kyi, saying: "We call on the military to immediately release them all." The Myanmar military had declared a one-year state of emergency soon after the coup on Monday.

Myanmar military clamps down on internet services, blocks Facebook

A civil disobedience movement is brewing in Myanmar. Scores of people honked horns and banged pots to protest against the coup. Members of the medical fraternity wore a red ribbon to show support for Aung San Suu Kyi. WION's Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: A civil disobedience movement is brewing in Myanmar

A Myanmar court has charged ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi with breaching an import and export law.

"We have got reliable information that Dakhinathiri court has given a 14-day remand from February 1 to February 15 against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi under the charge of violating the import/export law," Kyi Toe, National League for Democracy (NLD) press officer, wrote on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.

The document from a police station in the capital Naypyitaw said military officers who searched Suu Kyi's residence had found hand-held radios that were imported illegally and used without permission.

President Win Myint, who was also detained by the military in Monday's coup, has also been charged under the National Disaster Management law.

The NLD party, earlier in the day, said its offices in several regions of the country had been raided, including by forced entry, with documents, computers and laptops taken. It said on Facebook that the raids started on Tuesday and urged authorities to stop what it said were unlawful acts against the party.

Myanmar's army seized power on Monday, detaining Nobel laureate Suu Kyi and cutting short a transition to democracy in a takeover that has drawn condemnation from the United States and other Western countries.

Suu Kyi endured about 15 years of house arrest between 1989 and 2010 as she led the country's democracy movement and she remains hugely popular at home despite damage to her international reputation over the flight of Muslim Rohingya refugees in 2017.

Her National League for Democracy (NLD) party said earlier in a statement that its offices had been raided in several regions and urged authorities to stop what it called unlawful acts after its victory in a November 8 election.

Army chief Min Aung Hlaing seized power on the grounds of fraud in a November 8 election, which the NLD won in a landslide. The electoral commission had said the vote it was fair.

The Group of Seven largest developed economies condemned the coup on Wednesday and said the election result must be respected.

"We call upon the military to immediately end the state of emergency, restore power to the democratically-elected government, to release all those unjustly detained and to respect human rights and the rule of law," the G7 said in a statement.

(with inputs from agencies)

A Myanmar court has charged ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi with breaching an import and export law. "We have got reliable information that Dakhinathiri court has given a 14-day remand from February 1 to February 15 against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi under the charge of violating the import/export law," Kyi Toe, National League for Democracy (NLD) press officer, wrote on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.

A Myanmar court has charged ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi with breaching an import and export law. "We have got reliable information that Dakhinathiri court has given a 14-day remand from February 1 to February 15 against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi under the charge of violating the import/export law," Kyi Toe, National League for Democracy (NLD) press officer, wrote on his official Facebook page on Wednesday. The document from a police station in the capital Naypyitaw said military officers who searched Suu Kyi's residence had found hand-held radios that were imported illegally and used without permission. President Win Myint, who was also detained by the military in Monday's coup, has also been charged under the National Disaster Management law. The NLD party, earlier in the day, said its offices in several regions of the country had been raided, including by forced entry, with documents, computers and laptops taken. It said on Facebook that the raids started on Tuesday and urged authorities to stop what it said were unlawful acts against the party. Myanmar's army seized power on Monday, detaining Nobel laureate Suu Kyi and cutting short a transition to democracy in a takeover that has drawn condemnation from the United States and other Western countries. Suu Kyi endured about 15 years of house arrest between 1989 and 2010 as she led the country's democracy movement and she remains hugely popular at home despite damage to her international reputation over the flight of Muslim Rohingya refugees in 2017. Her National League for Democracy (NLD) party said earlier in a statement that its offices had been raided in several regions and urged authorities to stop what it called unlawful acts after its victory in a November 8 election. Army chief Min Aung Hlaing seized power on the grounds of fraud in a November 8 election, which the NLD won in a landslide. The electoral commission had said the vote it was fair. The Group of Seven largest developed economies condemned the coup on Wednesday and said the election result must be respected. "We call upon the military to immediately end the state of emergency, restore power to the democratically-elected government, to release all those unjustly detained and to respect human rights and the rule of law," the G7 said in a statement. (with inputs from agencies)

Myanmar coup: Aung San Suu Kyi charged with breaking 'import/export law'

Myanmar’s powerful military chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is in the spotlight after politicians from the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party were detained and the army announced it was taking power.

Here are some key facts about the army chief:

RISE AND RISE

Min Aung Hlaing&nbsp;steered clear of the political activism that was widespread at the time when he studied law at Yangon University in 1972-1974. He was a man of few words and normally kept a low profile.

While fellow students joined demonstrations, Min Aung Hlaing made annual applications to join the premier military university, the Defence Services Academy (DSA), succeeding on his third attempt in 1974.

According to a member of his DSA class, who spoke to Reuters in 2016 and who still sees the army chief at annual class reunions, he was an average cadet.

Min Aung Hlaing took over the running of the military in 2011 as a transition to democracy began. Diplomats in Yangon said that by the onset of Suu Kyi’s first term in 2016, Min Aung Hlaing had transformed himself from taciturn soldier into a politician and public figure.

Min Aung Hlaing studied other political transitions, diplomats and observers have told Reuters, and has made much of the need to avoid the chaos seen in Libya and other Middle Eastern countries after regime change in 2011.

The commander-in-chief has never shown any sign he was prepared to give up the military’s 25% of seats in parliament nor of allowing any change to the clause in the constitution that bars Suu Kyi from becoming president.

The recent complaints by the army of irregularities in voter lists for a Nov. 8 general election which, as expected, delivered another sweeping victory to Suu Kyi’s party, have been accompanied by cryptic comments about abolishing the charter.

Min Aung Hlaing extended his term at the helm of the military for another five years in February 2016, a step that surprised observers who expected him to step aside that year during a regular army leadership reshuffle.

SANCTIONS

A 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims into neighbouring Bangladesh. UN&nbsp;investigators have said Myanmar’s military operation included mass killings, gang rapes and widespread arson and was executed with “genocidal intent”.

In response, the United States imposed sanctions on Min Aung Hlaing and three other military leaders in 2019 and several court cases in various international courts, including the International Court of Justice, are going on.

Also in 2019, UN investigators urged world leaders to impose targeted financial sanctions on companies linked to the military.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Myanmar’s powerful military chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is in the spotlight after politicians from the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party were detained and the army announced it was taking power.

Myanmar’s powerful military chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is in the spotlight after politicians from the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party were detained and the army announced it was taking power. Here are some key facts about the army chief: RISE AND RISE Min Aung Hlaing steered clear of the political activism that was widespread at the time when he studied law at Yangon University in 1972-1974. He was a man of few words and normally kept a low profile. While fellow students joined demonstrations, Min Aung Hlaing made annual applications to join the premier military university, the Defence Services Academy (DSA), succeeding on his third attempt in 1974. According to a member of his DSA class, who spoke to Reuters in 2016 and who still sees the army chief at annual class reunions, he was an average cadet. Min Aung Hlaing took over the running of the military in 2011 as a transition to democracy began. Diplomats in Yangon said that by the onset of Suu Kyi’s first term in 2016, Min Aung Hlaing had transformed himself from taciturn soldier into a politician and public figure. Min Aung Hlaing studied other political transitions, diplomats and observers have told Reuters, and has made much of the need to avoid the chaos seen in Libya and other Middle Eastern countries after regime change in 2011. The commander-in-chief has never shown any sign he was prepared to give up the military’s 25% of seats in parliament nor of allowing any change to the clause in the constitution that bars Suu Kyi from becoming president. The recent complaints by the army of irregularities in voter lists for a Nov. 8 general election which, as expected, delivered another sweeping victory to Suu Kyi’s party, have been accompanied by cryptic comments about abolishing the charter. Min Aung Hlaing extended his term at the helm of the military for another five years in February 2016, a step that surprised observers who expected him to step aside that year during a regular army leadership reshuffle. SANCTIONS A 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims into neighbouring Bangladesh. UN investigators have said Myanmar’s military operation included mass killings, gang rapes and widespread arson and was executed with “genocidal intent”. In response, the United States imposed sanctions on Min Aung Hlaing and three other military leaders in 2019 and several court cases in various international courts, including the International Court of Justice, are going on. Also in 2019, UN investigators urged world leaders to impose targeted financial sanctions on companies linked to the military. (with inputs from Reuters)

All eyes on Myanmar army chief Min Aung Hlaing as military seizes power

Myanmar’s military has taken power for a year after declaring a state of emergency in response to its claims of election fraud.

Governments around the globe condemn Myanmar’s military coup

Myanmar's military seized power on Monday in a coup against the democratically elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who was detained along with other leaders of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party in early morning raids.

State of emergency declared in Myanmar for 1 year after Aung San Suu Kyi detained

Myanmar military seizes power, detains elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi

Reports said Myanmar military has taken control of the country for one year after the country's governing National League for Democracy (NLD) said that leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior figures were detained on Monday.

Watch:

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The military appointed an acting president to run the country while declaring a state of emergency in the country.

The development comes after reports of a coup for over a week amid growing tension between the civilian government and the military.

Reports said internet connections in the country were disrupted with phone lines to capital Naypyitaw not working. The military has reportedly been deployed outside city hall in the main city of Yangon.

Myanmar's military had said earlier that it will abide by the constitution and act according to the law of the country.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the US government urged Myanmar's military to release detained officials.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement: "The United States opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of recent elections or impede Myanmar's democratic transition, and will take action against those responsible if these steps are not reversed."

"We urge the military and all other parties to adhere to democratic norms and the rule of law, and to release those detained today," &nbsp;Jen Psaki added.

The NLD had swept the polls in November which was the second democratic elections in Myanmar, however, the military claimed there was widespread vote fraud.

Myanmar has seen two previous coups in 1962 and 1988 since its independence from Britain in 1948.

Reports said Myanmar military has taken control of the country for one year after the country's governing National League for Democracy (NLD) said that leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior figures were detained on Monday.

Reports said Myanmar military has taken control of the country for one year after the country's governing National League for Democracy (NLD) said that leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior figures were detained on Monday. Watch: The military appointed an acting president to run the country while declaring a state of emergency in the country. The development comes after reports of a coup for over a week amid growing tension between the civilian government and the military. Reports said internet connections in the country were disrupted with phone lines to capital Naypyitaw not working. The military has reportedly been deployed outside city hall in the main city of Yangon. Myanmar's military had said earlier that it will abide by the constitution and act according to the law of the country. Meanwhile, the US government urged Myanmar's military to release detained officials. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement: "The United States opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of recent elections or impede Myanmar's democratic transition, and will take action against those responsible if these steps are not reversed." "We urge the military and all other parties to adhere to democratic norms and the rule of law, and to release those detained today," Jen Psaki added. The NLD had swept the polls in November which was the second democratic elections in Myanmar, however, the military claimed there was widespread vote fraud. Myanmar has seen two previous coups in 1962 and 1988 since its independence from Britain in 1948.

Military takes control in Myanmar; Aung San Suu Kyi, senior leaders detained

Myanmar's powerful military has triggered worry about a coup after threatening to "take action" over alleged fraud in a November election won by the party of Aung San Suu Kyi, just days before a new parliament convenes.

The military's allegations of voter list irregularities have been accompanied by cryptic comments about abolishing the constitution that have captured public attention and raised the spectre of a coup in a country ruled by the military for half a century after a 1962 military takeover.

The National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Suu Kyi, a former political prisoner and figurehead of Myanmar's long struggle against dictatorship, won 83% of available seats in the Nov. 8 election seen as a referendum on her fledgling democratic government.

WHY IS THE MILITARY CHALLENGING THE VOTE?

The military alleges discrepancies such as duplicated names on voting lists in scores of districts and is unhappy with the election commission's response to its complaints.

The military has been guarded about its motives and has not said if irregularities were substantial enough to have changed the election outcome.

Its grievance is similar to that of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the former ruling party created by the military before it officially ceded power in 2011.

The USDP, widely seen as a military proxy, was humiliated in the election, winning only 33 of 476 available seats.

WHY IS THE MILITARY GETTING INVOLVED?

As the architect of Myanmar's 2008 constitution and fledgling democracy, the military, known as the Tatmadaw, sees itself as the guardian of national unity and the constitution, and it has enshrined a permanent role for itself in the political system.

It gets an unelected quota of 25% of parliamentary seats and it controls the defence, interior and borders ministries, ensuring an important stake in politics, which has made for an awkward power-sharing arrangement with the NLD, many members of which suffered imprisonment and persecution by the former junta.

Columnist San Yu Kyaw said the political positioning was a last-ditch show of power by the military top brass before their mandatory retirement.

"The political ambitions of Tatmadaw leaders have not been reached so they are acting this way," he said.

WHAT HAS THE NLD, OTHER PARTIES SAID?

Suu Kyi has not commented on her party's election victory, nor on the military's complaints, but the NLD said the military's allegations were groundless and any election flaws would not have changed the outcome.

Of the more than 90 parties that contested the vote, at least 17 have complained of mostly minor irregularities and all except the USDP are smaller parties. Election observers have said the voting was without major irregularities.

The election commission on Thursday said there were no errors on a scale that could mean fraud or the election being discredited.

WHAT IS THE MILITARY PLANNING TO DO?

The spokesman for the armed forces, Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun, held a news conference on Tuesday to renew the allegations but gave a succession of non-committal answers to questions about the military's intentions.

He said the military would "take action", and use all available options including the Supreme Court. Asked if the military would cooperate with the new government and legislature, he told reporters "wait and watch". 
Asked if he would rule out a coup, Zaw Min Tun said "cannot say so".

The military spokesman did not answer phone calls seeking comment on Friday.

IS A COUP LIKELY?

The constitution makes it difficult for the military to legally intervene against an elected government.

The commander-in-chief can take power only in extreme circumstances that could cause "disintegration of the union, disintegration of national solidarity and loss of sovereign power", but only during a state of emergency, which can only be declared by the civilian president.

To take power by force, it might have to breach its own constitution.

The commander-in-chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, caused intrigue on Wednesday when he told military personnel a constitution was a "mother law for all laws" and if not abided by, it should be revoked. He cited previous instances when that had happened in Myanmar.

Legal expert Khin Maung Zaw said talk of scrapping the constitution was unreasonable.

"I wonder if they want to abolish it because they cannot protect their own interests," said Khin Maung Zaw.

Myanmar's powerful military has triggered worry about a coup after threatening to "take action" over alleged fraud in a November election won by the party of Aung San Suu Kyi, just days before a new parliament convenes.

Myanmar's powerful military has triggered worry about a coup after threatening to "take action" over alleged fraud in a November election won by the party of Aung San Suu Kyi, just days before a new parliament convenes. The military's allegations of voter list irregularities have been accompanied by cryptic comments about abolishing the constitution that have captured public attention and raised the spectre of a coup in a country ruled by the military for half a century after a 1962 military takeover. The National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Suu Kyi, a former political prisoner and figurehead of Myanmar's long struggle against dictatorship, won 83% of available seats in the Nov. 8 election seen as a referendum on her fledgling democratic government. WHY IS THE MILITARY CHALLENGING THE VOTE? The military alleges discrepancies such as duplicated names on voting lists in scores of districts and is unhappy with the election commission's response to its complaints. The military has been guarded about its motives and has not said if irregularities were substantial enough to have changed the election outcome. Its grievance is similar to that of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the former ruling party created by the military before it officially ceded power in 2011. The USDP, widely seen as a military proxy, was humiliated in the election, winning only 33 of 476 available seats. WHY IS THE MILITARY GETTING INVOLVED? As the architect of Myanmar's 2008 constitution and fledgling democracy, the military, known as the Tatmadaw, sees itself as the guardian of national unity and the constitution, and it has enshrined a permanent role for itself in the political system. It gets an unelected quota of 25% of parliamentary seats and it controls the defence, interior and borders ministries, ensuring an important stake in politics, which has made for an awkward power-sharing arrangement with the NLD, many members of which suffered imprisonment and persecution by the former junta. Columnist San Yu Kyaw said the political positioning was a last-ditch show of power by the military top brass before their mandatory retirement. "The political ambitions of Tatmadaw leaders have not been reached so they are acting this way," he said. WHAT HAS THE NLD, OTHER PARTIES SAID? Suu Kyi has not commented on her party's election victory, nor on the military's complaints, but the NLD said the military's allegations were groundless and any election flaws would not have changed the outcome. Of the more than 90 parties that contested the vote, at least 17 have complained of mostly minor irregularities and all except the USDP are smaller parties. Election observers have said the voting was without major irregularities. The election commission on Thursday said there were no errors on a scale that could mean fraud or the election being discredited. WHAT IS THE MILITARY PLANNING TO DO? The spokesman for the armed forces, Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun, held a news conference on Tuesday to renew the allegations but gave a succession of non-committal answers to questions about the military's intentions. He said the military would "take action", and use all available options including the Supreme Court. Asked if the military would cooperate with the new government and legislature, he told reporters "wait and watch". Asked if he would rule out a coup, Zaw Min Tun said "cannot say so". The military spokesman did not answer phone calls seeking comment on Friday. IS A COUP LIKELY? The constitution makes it difficult for the military to legally intervene against an elected government. The commander-in-chief can take power only in extreme circumstances that could cause "disintegration of the union, disintegration of national solidarity and loss of sovereign power", but only during a state of emergency, which can only be declared by the civilian president. To take power by force, it might have to breach its own constitution. The commander-in-chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, caused intrigue on Wednesday when he told military personnel a constitution was a "mother law for all laws" and if not abided by, it should be revoked. He cited previous instances when that had happened in Myanmar. Legal expert Khin Maung Zaw said talk of scrapping the constitution was unreasonable. "I wonder if they want to abolish it because they cannot protect their own interests," said Khin Maung Zaw.

Myanmar army flexes muscles as Suu Kyi's government begins second term

In her New Year's address to the nation, Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has announced that her country will get the COVID-19 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-begin-coronavirus-vaccine-roll-out-in-10-days-government-354599">vaccine</a> from India and that a contract has been signed regarding it.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"The purchase contract for buying the first batch of the vaccines from India has already been signed. As soon as the authorities concerned in India have issued permission to use this vaccine, we have made arrangements for the import of these vaccines into Myanmar,"

Last year the Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and Army Chief MM Naravane had jointly visited the country. The visit saw high-level assurances from India that Myanmar will be a priority when it comes to the vaccine. Shringla also handed over 3000 vials of Remdesivir as a symbol of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

Myanmar has signed MoU with the Serum Institute of India for Covishield. Over the weekend, India's drug regulator gave approval for its use.

The state counsellor highlighted that the first priority group to get the vaccine will be medical professionals and medical personnel which will take place in February.&nbsp;

"There is a lot of competition as all the countries of the world are trying to get this vaccine. However, we believe that the vaccination programme could be carried out all over the country step-by-step," San Suu Kyi added.

"During the period when the vaccines are still not available, I wish to appeal to the people to abide by the health rules and regulations and give support to our efforts to beat COVID-19. Please be vigilant; please be patient. Please brace yourself by visioning the future. We are all in this together," she added.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, India reaffirmed its position as the pharma capital of the world by sending medicines like HCQ, paracetamol to more than 150 countries.&nbsp;

New Delhi also organised training to build capacity. In fact, for the neighbourhood, India has organized two training modules in which about 90 health experts and scientists have participated.

In her New Year's address to the nation, Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has announced that her country will get the COVID-19 vaccine from India and that a contract has been signed regarding it.

In her New Year's address to the nation, Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has announced that her country will get the COVID-19 vaccine from India and that a contract has been signed regarding it. "The purchase contract for buying the first batch of the vaccines from India has already been signed. As soon as the authorities concerned in India have issued permission to use this vaccine, we have made arrangements for the import of these vaccines into Myanmar," Last year the Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and Army Chief MM Naravane had jointly visited the country. The visit saw high-level assurances from India that Myanmar will be a priority when it comes to the vaccine. Shringla also handed over 3000 vials of Remdesivir as a symbol of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Myanmar has signed MoU with the Serum Institute of India for Covishield. Over the weekend, India's drug regulator gave approval for its use. The state counsellor highlighted that the first priority group to get the vaccine will be medical professionals and medical personnel which will take place in February. "There is a lot of competition as all the countries of the world are trying to get this vaccine. However, we believe that the vaccination programme could be carried out all over the country step-by-step," San Suu Kyi added. "During the period when the vaccines are still not available, I wish to appeal to the people to abide by the health rules and regulations and give support to our efforts to beat COVID-19. Please be vigilant; please be patient. Please brace yourself by visioning the future. We are all in this together," she added. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, India reaffirmed its position as the pharma capital of the world by sending medicines like HCQ, paracetamol to more than 150 countries. New Delhi also organised training to build capacity. In fact, for the neighbourhood, India has organized two training modules in which about 90 health experts and scientists have participated.

In New Year speech, Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi announces contract to get COVID-19 vaccine from India

Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling party secured an absolute majority in Myanmar's election, official results showed Friday, in a poll disputed by the military-aligned opposition and criticised by rights groups.

Her National League for Democracy (NLD) had already declared a landslide victory based on its own tallies, prompting street celebrations by supporters.

But official figures were still being returned five days after the ballot,&nbsp;only the second such polls since the nation emerged from outright military rule in 2011.

Results announced by the election commission Friday showed the NLD had won 346 seats —- more than 50 percent of parliament, even taking into account the quarter of seats reserved for the military under the constitution.

The party is on track to improve on its landslide win in 2015, despite widespread disillusion in many ethnic-minority areas.

"People clearly realised the need for the NLD to get enough votes to form a government on their own," NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt told AFP, adding this would help "minimise political conflict".

The military-aligned opposition Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has been trounced across the country, winning just 25 seats by Friday.

The party alleges the vote was neither free nor fair and is demanding that the Union Election Commission (UEC) step down and polls be re-run.

Yangon-based analyst Khin Zaw Win warned the coming months will be messy, adding the situation was a consequence of the UEC being filled with "yes-men and incompetents".

Under the constitution, the government appoints all commission members.

But even if some results were overturned, "the NLD landslide is so large that they wouldn't alter the overall outcome", said Richard Horsey from the International Crisis Group.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already tweeted his congratulations to Suu Kyi, writing he looked forward to strengthening the neighbours' "traditional bonds of friendship".

Observers have widely concluded that voting took place smoothly on the day, despite forecasts of a low turnout due to a recent surge of coronavirus cases.

But they condemned what they described as the election commission's lack of transparency and its cancellation of the polls across many ethnic minority areas -- ostensibly for security reasons.

The move left 1.5 million voters disenfranchised and sparked grievances in already restive areas that the playing field had been tilted in favour of the NLD.

Some will conclude the electoral process does not work for them and choose "political insurrection or insurgency instead", warned Horsey.

Rights groups have also condemned the vote, which left virtually all Rohingya Muslims disenfranchised, either languishing in Bangladeshi refugee camps or stripped of citizenship in Myanmar.

Even though Suu Kyi's international reputation was badly hurt over the Rohingya crisis -- for which the country now faces charges of genocide -- she remains widely revered within Myanmar.

Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling party secured an absolute majority in Myanmar's election, official results showed Friday, in a poll disputed by the military-aligned opposition and criticised by rights groups.

Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling party secured an absolute majority in Myanmar's election, official results showed Friday, in a poll disputed by the military-aligned opposition and criticised by rights groups. Her National League for Democracy (NLD) had already declared a landslide victory based on its own tallies, prompting street celebrations by supporters. But official figures were still being returned five days after the ballot, only the second such polls since the nation emerged from outright military rule in 2011. Results announced by the election commission Friday showed the NLD had won 346 seats —- more than 50 percent of parliament, even taking into account the quarter of seats reserved for the military under the constitution. The party is on track to improve on its landslide win in 2015, despite widespread disillusion in many ethnic-minority areas. "People clearly realised the need for the NLD to get enough votes to form a government on their own," NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt told AFP, adding this would help "minimise political conflict". The military-aligned opposition Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has been trounced across the country, winning just 25 seats by Friday. The party alleges the vote was neither free nor fair and is demanding that the Union Election Commission (UEC) step down and polls be re-run. Yangon-based analyst Khin Zaw Win warned the coming months will be messy, adding the situation was a consequence of the UEC being filled with "yes-men and incompetents". Under the constitution, the government appoints all commission members. But even if some results were overturned, "the NLD landslide is so large that they wouldn't alter the overall outcome", said Richard Horsey from the International Crisis Group. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already tweeted his congratulations to Suu Kyi, writing he looked forward to strengthening the neighbours' "traditional bonds of friendship". Observers have widely concluded that voting took place smoothly on the day, despite forecasts of a low turnout due to a recent surge of coronavirus cases. But they condemned what they described as the election commission's lack of transparency and its cancellation of the polls across many ethnic minority areas -- ostensibly for security reasons. The move left 1.5 million voters disenfranchised and sparked grievances in already restive areas that the playing field had been tilted in favour of the NLD. Some will conclude the electoral process does not work for them and choose "political insurrection or insurgency instead", warned Horsey. Rights groups have also condemned the vote, which left virtually all Rohingya Muslims disenfranchised, either languishing in Bangladeshi refugee camps or stripped of citizenship in Myanmar. Even though Suu Kyi's international reputation was badly hurt over the Rohingya crisis -- for which the country now faces charges of genocide -- she remains widely revered within Myanmar.

Suu Kyi's party wins absolute majority in Myanmar polls

In Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi is certain to win a second term. But can Suu Kyi put an end to the ethnic conflict in Myanmar?

Gravitas: Aung San Suu Kyi expected to win a second term

Aung San Suu Kyi is expected to win a second term in office when authorities in Myanmar release early election results on Monday.

Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi in line for second term

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