Myanmar`s National Unity Government, set up by opponents of army rule, said on Wednesday it had formed a "people`s defence force" to protect its supporters from military attacks and violence instigated by the junta.

Since the military seized power and ousted an elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on February&nbsp;1, there have been daily protests and a surge of violence with security forces killing hundreds of civilians.

The National Unity Government said in a statement the new force was a precursor to a Federal Union Army and that it had a responsibility to "make effective reforms in the security sector in order to terminate the 70-year long civil war".

It also said it has a responsibility to deal with "the military attacks and violence from state administration council on the people”.

The unity government, established last month by an array of groups opposed to the junta, has pledged to end violence, restore democracy and build a "federal democratic union".

A spokesman for the junta did not answer a call seeking comment.

Myanmar was ruled by the military for nearly half a century from 1962 before the generals launched a tentative transition to democracy a decade ago.

That process was brought to a halt by the coup, to the anger of many people unwilling to put up with another phase of military rule.

The National Unity Government did not provide details of how the new force would be organised or armed, or how it would try to achieve its objectives. A spokesman for the unity government was not immediately available for comment.

Myanmar`s well-equipped army is one of the region`s most battle-hardened forces.

But despite that, opponents of the coup have in some places been using crude weapons to fight troops while others have sought training with ethnic minority insurgents who have been battling the military since independence in 1948 from remote border areas.

Myanmar has in recent weeks seen an increasing number of small blasts in cities and towns, some targeting government offices and military facilities.

There have been no claims of responsibility but the military has blamed people bent on destabilising the country.

Five people killed in an explosion this week, including a former member of parliament for Suu Kyi`s party, had been building a bomb, the state controlled Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported.

The newspaper said security forces had searched the scene of the Monday afternoon blast in the central Bago area and found wire, batteries and a damaged phone and phone parts.

The newspaper said the explosion of the "home-made mine" killed four men on the spot including a member of Suu Kyi`s National League for Democracy (NLD) while another man died of his injuries in hospital.

A spokesman for the NLD was not available for comment. Suu Kyi, 75, has been detained since the coup along with many members of her party.

The junta said it had to seize power because its complaints of fraud in a November election won by Suu Kyi`s party were not addressed by an election commission that deemed the vote fair.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) rights monitoring group says security forces have killed 766 people since the coup.

The junta disputes the AAPP figure and has banned the group. It acknowledged 248 deaths in mid-April and in addition says 24 police and soldiers have been killed in the protests.

Reuters is unable to verify casualties because of curbs placed on media by the junta. Many journalists areamong the thousands of people who have been detained.

The independent Tachileik news agency based in Shan State in the northeast said on Facebook its licence had been revoked, the latest of eight such news outlets to be shut under orders of the authorities.

Junta-controlled MRTV state television announced on Tuesday a ban on satellite television receivers, saying outside broadcasts threatened national security. It said anyone caught violating the ban risked jail.

With mobile internet access largely cut off in a bid to quell the anti-junta protests, Myanmar has increasingly appeared headed back to a state of isolation that preceded a decade of democratic reforms.

Myanmar`s National Unity Government, set up by opponents of army rule, said on Wednesday it had formed a "people`s defence force" to protect its supporters from military attacks and violence instigated by the junta.

Myanmar`s National Unity Government, set up by opponents of army rule, said on Wednesday it had formed a "people`s defence force" to protect its supporters from military attacks and violence instigated by the junta. Since the military seized power and ousted an elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, there have been daily protests and a surge of violence with security forces killing hundreds of civilians. The National Unity Government said in a statement the new force was a precursor to a Federal Union Army and that it had a responsibility to "make effective reforms in the security sector in order to terminate the 70-year long civil war". It also said it has a responsibility to deal with "the military attacks and violence from state administration council on the people”. The unity government, established last month by an array of groups opposed to the junta, has pledged to end violence, restore democracy and build a "federal democratic union". A spokesman for the junta did not answer a call seeking comment. Myanmar was ruled by the military for nearly half a century from 1962 before the generals launched a tentative transition to democracy a decade ago. That process was brought to a halt by the coup, to the anger of many people unwilling to put up with another phase of military rule. The National Unity Government did not provide details of how the new force would be organised or armed, or how it would try to achieve its objectives. A spokesman for the unity government was not immediately available for comment. Myanmar`s well-equipped army is one of the region`s most battle-hardened forces. But despite that, opponents of the coup have in some places been using crude weapons to fight troops while others have sought training with ethnic minority insurgents who have been battling the military since independence in 1948 from remote border areas. Myanmar has in recent weeks seen an increasing number of small blasts in cities and towns, some targeting government offices and military facilities. There have been no claims of responsibility but the military has blamed people bent on destabilising the country. Five people killed in an explosion this week, including a former member of parliament for Suu Kyi`s party, had been building a bomb, the state controlled Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported. The newspaper said security forces had searched the scene of the Monday afternoon blast in the central Bago area and found wire, batteries and a damaged phone and phone parts. The newspaper said the explosion of the "home-made mine" killed four men on the spot including a member of Suu Kyi`s National League for Democracy (NLD) while another man died of his injuries in hospital. A spokesman for the NLD was not available for comment. Suu Kyi, 75, has been detained since the coup along with many members of her party. The junta said it had to seize power because its complaints of fraud in a November election won by Suu Kyi`s party were not addressed by an election commission that deemed the vote fair. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) rights monitoring group says security forces have killed 766 people since the coup. The junta disputes the AAPP figure and has banned the group. It acknowledged 248 deaths in mid-April and in addition says 24 police and soldiers have been killed in the protests. Reuters is unable to verify casualties because of curbs placed on media by the junta. Many journalists areamong the thousands of people who have been detained. The independent Tachileik news agency based in Shan State in the northeast said on Facebook its licence had been revoked, the latest of eight such news outlets to be shut under orders of the authorities. Junta-controlled MRTV state television announced on Tuesday a ban on satellite television receivers, saying outside broadcasts threatened national security. It said anyone caught violating the ban risked jail. With mobile internet access largely cut off in a bid to quell the anti-junta protests, Myanmar has increasingly appeared headed back to a state of isolation that preceded a decade of democratic reforms.

Myanmar's anti-junta unity government says it has formed defence force

A Japanese journalist detained in Myanmar last month has been charged with spreading false news, an official at the Japanese embassy in Yangon said on Tuesday, amid a crackdown on media since the military seized power three months ago.

Yuki Kitazumi, who had been picked up from his home by troops and taken into custody on April 19, is the first foreign journalist to be charged since the military ousted the elected government of Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

Kitazumi, who was being held at Insein Prison in Yangon, has been charged under section 505A of the penal code, which criminalises comments that could cause fear or spread false news and is punishable by up to three years in jail.

The Myanmar authorities have not supplied information on the details of the alleged offences, said a Japanese embassy official, who declined to be named.

A spokesman for the junta did not respond to calls asking for comment.

Kitazumi runs a media production company, Yangon Media Professionals, and used to be a journalist with the Nikkei business daily, according to his Facebook page and interviews with online media.

He was arrested previously in February while covering protests against the February&nbsp;1 coup but was released soon afterwards.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group, 766 people have been killed by security forces since the coup and more than 3,600 remain in detention, including Suu Kyi.

Both the Japanese government and Japanese journalists have called for his release.

A Japanese journalist detained in Myanmar last month has been charged with spreading false news, an official at the Japanese embassy in Yangon said on Tuesday, amid a crackdown on media since the military seized power three months ago.

A Japanese journalist detained in Myanmar last month has been charged with spreading false news, an official at the Japanese embassy in Yangon said on Tuesday, amid a crackdown on media since the military seized power three months ago. Yuki Kitazumi, who had been picked up from his home by troops and taken into custody on April 19, is the first foreign journalist to be charged since the military ousted the elected government of Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Kitazumi, who was being held at Insein Prison in Yangon, has been charged under section 505A of the penal code, which criminalises comments that could cause fear or spread false news and is punishable by up to three years in jail. The Myanmar authorities have not supplied information on the details of the alleged offences, said a Japanese embassy official, who declined to be named. A spokesman for the junta did not respond to calls asking for comment. Kitazumi runs a media production company, Yangon Media Professionals, and used to be a journalist with the Nikkei business daily, according to his Facebook page and interviews with online media. He was arrested previously in February while covering protests against the February 1 coup but was released soon afterwards. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group, 766 people have been killed by security forces since the coup and more than 3,600 remain in detention, including Suu Kyi. Both the Japanese government and Japanese journalists have called for his release.

Japanese journalist charged in Myanmar for spreading false news

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of Myanmar's most powerful rebel groups, said on Monday it had shot down a helicopter after returning fire following air strikes by the military, an official at the group said.

The United Nations estimates that tens of thousands of civilians have fled their homes as a result of the fighting between the military and ethnic minority insurgents in remote northern and eastern frontier regions. The conflict intensified after Myanmar's generals seized power on February 1, ousting the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

The KIA's information department head, Naw Bu, said the helicopter was shot down around 10:20 a.m. at a village near the town of Moemauk in Kachin province.

"The military council launched air strikes in that area since around 8 or 9 this morning ... using jet fighters and also fired shots using a helicopter so we shot back at them," he said by telephone. He declined to say what weapons were used.

​News portals MizzimaDaily and Kachinwaves also reported the downing of the helicopter next to photographs showing a plume of smoke coming from the ground.

A resident in the area, who declined to be named, said by telephone that four people had died in hospital after artillery shells hit a monastery in the village.

Reuters could not independently verify the reports and a military spokesman did not answer a phone call seeking comment.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the coup, with protests almost daily against military rule across the country.

On Sunday, Myanmar security forces opened fire on some of the biggest protests in days, killing eight people, media reported.

The protests, after a spell of dwindling crowds and what appeared to be more restraint by the security forces, were coordinated with demonstrations in Myanmar communities around the world to mark what organisers called "the global Myanmar spring revolution".

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners advocacy group says security forces have killed at least 765 protesters since the coup. Reuters is unable to confirm the toll.

The military said it had to seize power because its complaints of fraud in a November election won by Suu Kyi's party were not addressed by an election commission that deemed the vote fair.

Suu Kyi, 75, has been detained since the coup along with many other members of her party.

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of Myanmar's most powerful rebel groups, said on Monday it had shot down a helicopter after returning fire following air strikes by the military, an official at the group said.

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of Myanmar's most powerful rebel groups, said on Monday it had shot down a helicopter after returning fire following air strikes by the military, an official at the group said. The United Nations estimates that tens of thousands of civilians have fled their homes as a result of the fighting between the military and ethnic minority insurgents in remote northern and eastern frontier regions. The conflict intensified after Myanmar's generals seized power on February 1, ousting the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The KIA's information department head, Naw Bu, said the helicopter was shot down around 10:20 a.m. at a village near the town of Moemauk in Kachin province. "The military council launched air strikes in that area since around 8 or 9 this morning ... using jet fighters and also fired shots using a helicopter so we shot back at them," he said by telephone. He declined to say what weapons were used. News portals MizzimaDaily and Kachinwaves also reported the downing of the helicopter next to photographs showing a plume of smoke coming from the ground. A resident in the area, who declined to be named, said by telephone that four people had died in hospital after artillery shells hit a monastery in the village. Reuters could not independently verify the reports and a military spokesman did not answer a phone call seeking comment. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the coup, with protests almost daily against military rule across the country. On Sunday, Myanmar security forces opened fire on some of the biggest protests in days, killing eight people, media reported. The protests, after a spell of dwindling crowds and what appeared to be more restraint by the security forces, were coordinated with demonstrations in Myanmar communities around the world to mark what organisers called "the global Myanmar spring revolution". The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners advocacy group says security forces have killed at least 765 protesters since the coup. Reuters is unable to confirm the toll. The military said it had to seize power because its complaints of fraud in a November election won by Suu Kyi's party were not addressed by an election commission that deemed the vote fair. Suu Kyi, 75, has been detained since the coup along with many other members of her party.

Myanmar rebel group says it shot down military helicopter

Explosions blasted off throughout Myanmar’s largest city Yangon yesterday as protesters held flash marches for democracy, defying a brutal junta that has held onto power for three blood-drenched months.

Myanmar Coup: Protesters hold flash marches in Yangon for democracy

Protesters against military rule marched in Myanmar on Saturday three months after a coup ended a democratic transition, with several small blasts compounding a sense of crisis that a UN&nbsp;envoy warned could bring state administration to a halt.

The military has tried to end dissent and impose its authority on a people largely opposed to the return of rule by the generals after 10 years of democratic reforms that included a government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi.

Despite a relentless crackdown in which at least 759 protesters have been killed, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) advocacy group, crowds come out day after day to reject the junta. 
"Our cause, democracy, our cause, a federal union. Free arrested leaders," protesters chanted at one of two rallies in the main city of Yangon.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi demands meeting with her lawyers in person">Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi demands meeting with her lawyers in person</a>

Suu Kyi, 75, has been detained since the coup the along with many other members of her party. The AAPP says more than 3,400 people have been detained for opposing the military.

People also rallied in the second city of Mandalay and the southern town of Dawei, media reported. 
There were no immediate reports of violence.

Media reported several small blasts in different places including Yangon late on Friday and on Saturday. There were no immediate reports of casualties and no claims of responsibility.

A spokesman for the junta did not answer calls seeking comment. The military has accused pro-democracy activists of planting bombs.

The UN&nbsp;special envoy on Myanmar told the Security Council on Friday that in the absence of a collective international response to the coup, violence was worsening and the running of the state risked coming to a standstill, according to diplomats who attended the private meeting.

Christine Schraner Burgener briefed the 15-member council from Thailand, where she has been meeting regional leaders. She hopes to travel to Myanmar but the military has yet to approve a visit.

"The general administration of the state could risk coming to a standstill as the pro-democracy movement continues in spite of the ongoing use of lethal force, arbitrary arrests and torture as part of the military`s repression," Schraner Burgener said, according to diplomats.

She told diplomats that reports of a continuing crackdown risked undermining momentum toward ending the crisis following a meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on April 25 with the junta leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Schraner Burgener, expressing concern about rising violence, cited reports of bomb attacks and of civilians, mostly students from the urban areas, getting weapons training from ethnic minority insurgents.

UN&nbsp;special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said Min Aung Hlaing had used the summit as a 'propaganda ploy'.

"Indeed, he tried to appear to be what he is not - a legitimate leader," Andrews said in a post on Twitter.

"The good news: Those who ARE legitimate are ready to engage: the National Unity Government."

Ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party, politicians representing ethnic minorities and democracy activists set up the unity government but it has yet to win the international recognition it says it is due.

The UN&nbsp;Security Council reiterated its 'deep concern' at the situation and its support for Myanmar's democratic transition.

The council has issued several statements since the coup but diplomats say Russia and China are likely to prevent any stronger council action against Myanmar.

Protesters against military rule marched in Myanmar on Saturday three months after a coup ended a democratic transition, with several small blasts compounding a sense of crisis that a UN envoy warned could bring state administration to a halt.

Protesters against military rule marched in Myanmar on Saturday three months after a coup ended a democratic transition, with several small blasts compounding a sense of crisis that a UN envoy warned could bring state administration to a halt. The military has tried to end dissent and impose its authority on a people largely opposed to the return of rule by the generals after 10 years of democratic reforms that included a government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi. Despite a relentless crackdown in which at least 759 protesters have been killed, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) advocacy group, crowds come out day after day to reject the junta. "Our cause, democracy, our cause, a federal union. Free arrested leaders," protesters chanted at one of two rallies in the main city of Yangon. Also read: Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi demands meeting with her lawyers in person Suu Kyi, 75, has been detained since the coup the along with many other members of her party. The AAPP says more than 3,400 people have been detained for opposing the military. People also rallied in the second city of Mandalay and the southern town of Dawei, media reported. There were no immediate reports of violence. Media reported several small blasts in different places including Yangon late on Friday and on Saturday. There were no immediate reports of casualties and no claims of responsibility. A spokesman for the junta did not answer calls seeking comment. The military has accused pro-democracy activists of planting bombs. The UN special envoy on Myanmar told the Security Council on Friday that in the absence of a collective international response to the coup, violence was worsening and the running of the state risked coming to a standstill, according to diplomats who attended the private meeting. Christine Schraner Burgener briefed the 15-member council from Thailand, where she has been meeting regional leaders. She hopes to travel to Myanmar but the military has yet to approve a visit. "The general administration of the state could risk coming to a standstill as the pro-democracy movement continues in spite of the ongoing use of lethal force, arbitrary arrests and torture as part of the military`s repression," Schraner Burgener said, according to diplomats. She told diplomats that reports of a continuing crackdown risked undermining momentum toward ending the crisis following a meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on April 25 with the junta leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Schraner Burgener, expressing concern about rising violence, cited reports of bomb attacks and of civilians, mostly students from the urban areas, getting weapons training from ethnic minority insurgents. UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said Min Aung Hlaing had used the summit as a 'propaganda ploy'. "Indeed, he tried to appear to be what he is not - a legitimate leader," Andrews said in a post on Twitter. "The good news: Those who ARE legitimate are ready to engage: the National Unity Government." Ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party, politicians representing ethnic minorities and democracy activists set up the unity government but it has yet to win the international recognition it says it is due. The UN Security Council reiterated its 'deep concern' at the situation and its support for Myanmar's democratic transition. The council has issued several statements since the coup but diplomats say Russia and China are likely to prevent any stronger council action against Myanmar.

Myanmar protesters march three months after coup; UN warns of 'standstill'

The United Nations on Friday warned that half of the population of Myanmar could be living in poverty next year due to the pandemic and political turmoil that began with the coup.&nbsp;

The grim prediction comes as fighting between the Myanmar military and armed ethnic rebels resumed, causing more refugees to flee to Thailand.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/myanmar-karen-village-pummelled-by-fresh-wave-or-air-strikes-381273/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Myanmar, which was already badly hit by the pandemic, saw the nation's crisis worsening after the military ousted the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi and seized power on February 1.&nbsp;

Over 750 civilians have been killed, according to a local monitoring group as the crackdown began against the strong pro-democracy movement.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-of-myanmar-villagers-poised-to-flee-violence-to-thailand-381533">Thousands of Myanmar villagers poised to flee violence to Thailand</a>

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said that by early 2022, 25 million people in Myanmar, about half of the country's population, could be living below the poverty line.&nbsp;

UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said this projection threatens the progress made in the country since 2005, in which Myanmar halved the number of people living in poverty.&nbsp;

"Without functioning democratic institutions, Myanmar faces a tragic and avoidable backslide towards levels of poverty not seen in a generation," Steiner was quoted as saying in a statement by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The United Nations on Friday warned that half of the population of Myanmar could be living in poverty next year due to the pandemic and political turmoil that began with the coup.

The United Nations on Friday warned that half of the population of Myanmar could be living in poverty next year due to the pandemic and political turmoil that began with the coup. The grim prediction comes as fighting between the Myanmar military and armed ethnic rebels resumed, causing more refugees to flee to Thailand. Watch | Myanmar, which was already badly hit by the pandemic, saw the nation's crisis worsening after the military ousted the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi and seized power on February 1. Over 750 civilians have been killed, according to a local monitoring group as the crackdown began against the strong pro-democracy movement. Also read | Thousands of Myanmar villagers poised to flee violence to Thailand The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said that by early 2022, 25 million people in Myanmar, about half of the country's population, could be living below the poverty line. UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said this projection threatens the progress made in the country since 2005, in which Myanmar halved the number of people living in poverty. "Without functioning democratic institutions, Myanmar faces a tragic and avoidable backslide towards levels of poverty not seen in a generation," Steiner was quoted as saying in a statement by news agency AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Half of Myanmar's population could face poverty due to pandemic, coup: UN

Thousands of ethnic Karen villagers in Myanmar are poised to cross into Thailand if, as expected, fighting intensifies between the Myanmar army and Karen insurgents, joining those who have already escaped the turmoil that followed a Feb. 1 coup. 
 
Karen rebels and the Myanmar army have clashed near the Thai border in the weeks since Myanmar`s generals ousted an elected government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi, displacing villagers on both sides of the border. 
 
"People say the Burmese will come and shoot us, so we fled here," Chu Wah, a Karen villager who crossed over to Thailand with his family this week from the Ee Thu Hta displacement camp in Myanmar, told Reuters. 
 
"I had to flee across the river," Chu Wah said, referring to the Salween river that forms the border in the area. 
 
The Karen Peace Support Network says thousands of villagers are taking shelter on the Myanmar side of the Salween and they will flee to Thailand if the fighting escalates. 
 
"In coming days, more than 8,000 Karen along the Salween river will have to flee to Thailand. We hope that the Thai army will help them escape the war," the group said in a post on Facebook. 
 
Karen fighters on Tuesday overran a Myanmar army unit on the west bank of the Salween in a pre-dawn attack. The Karen said 13 soldiers and three of their fighters were killed. The Myanmar military responded with airstrikes in several areas near the Thai border. 
 
Thai authorities say nearly 200 villagers have crossed into Thailand this week. Thailand has reinforced its forces and restricted access to the border. 
 
Hundreds of Thai villagers have also been displaced, moving from their homes close to the border, to deeper into Thai territory for safety. 
 
"The situation has escalated so we can`t go back," said Warong Tisakul, 33, a Thai villager from Mae Sam Laep, a settlement, now abandoned, opposite the Myanmar army post attacked this week. 
 
"Security officials won`t let us, we can`t go back."

Thousands of ethnic Karen villagers in Myanmar are poised to cross into Thailand if, as expected, fighting intensifies between the Myanmar army and Karen insurgents, joining those who have already escaped the turmoil that followed a Feb.

Thousands of ethnic Karen villagers in Myanmar are poised to cross into Thailand if, as expected, fighting intensifies between the Myanmar army and Karen insurgents, joining those who have already escaped the turmoil that followed a Feb. 1 coup. Karen rebels and the Myanmar army have clashed near the Thai border in the weeks since Myanmar`s generals ousted an elected government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi, displacing villagers on both sides of the border. "People say the Burmese will come and shoot us, so we fled here," Chu Wah, a Karen villager who crossed over to Thailand with his family this week from the Ee Thu Hta displacement camp in Myanmar, told Reuters. "I had to flee across the river," Chu Wah said, referring to the Salween river that forms the border in the area. The Karen Peace Support Network says thousands of villagers are taking shelter on the Myanmar side of the Salween and they will flee to Thailand if the fighting escalates. "In coming days, more than 8,000 Karen along the Salween river will have to flee to Thailand. We hope that the Thai army will help them escape the war," the group said in a post on Facebook. Karen fighters on Tuesday overran a Myanmar army unit on the west bank of the Salween in a pre-dawn attack. The Karen said 13 soldiers and three of their fighters were killed. The Myanmar military responded with airstrikes in several areas near the Thai border. Thai authorities say nearly 200 villagers have crossed into Thailand this week. Thailand has reinforced its forces and restricted access to the border. Hundreds of Thai villagers have also been displaced, moving from their homes close to the border, to deeper into Thai territory for safety. "The situation has escalated so we can`t go back," said Warong Tisakul, 33, a Thai villager from Mae Sam Laep, a settlement, now abandoned, opposite the Myanmar army post attacked this week. "Security officials won`t let us, we can`t go back."

Thousands of Myanmar villagers poised to flee violence to Thailand

Heavy fighting erupted at a Myanmar army outpost near the eastern border with Thailand early on Tuesday in an area largely controlled by forces of a Karen ethnic army. 
 
The Karen National Union (KNU) said it had captured the army position, in some of the most intense clashes since a Feb. 1 coup plunged Myanmar into crisis. The fighting also came days after Southeast Asian leaders said they had reached consensus with the junta on ending violence. 
 
Villagers across the Salween river in Thailand said heavy gunfire started before sunrise. Video posted on social media showed flames and smoke on the forested hillside. 
 
Forces of the Karen National Union had taken the outpost at around 5 am&nbsp;to 6 am&nbsp;(2230 to 2330 GMT), the group`s head of foreign affairs, Padoh Saw Taw Nee, told Reuters. 
 
He said the camp had been occupied and burned down and that the group was still checking on deaths and casualties. The spokesman said there had been fighting in other locations too, but did not give details. 
 
The Karen Information Center, a local media group, said the army base had been overrun. It said villagers had seen seven soldiers running away. 
 
Myanmar`s army made no immediate comment. It historically proclaimed itself the one institution that can keep the multi-ethnic country of over 53 million people together, though much of Myanmar has rallied in opposition to its coup. 
 
The army base at the Thai border had been largely surrounded by KNU forces and food had run short there in recent weeks, according to Thai villagers who had had contact with the soldiers. 
 
A Thai official from the Mae Hong Son province said one person had been wounded in Thailand during the fighting, but did not have further details. 
 
KNU forces had clashed elsewhere with the army since it seized power and cut short a decade of democratic reforms that had also brought relative peace in Myanmar`s volatile borderlands. 
 
THOUSANDS FLED 
 
Karen groups say 24,000 people have been displaced in recent weeks by the violence, including air strikes by Myanmar’s air force, and are sheltering in the jungle. 
 
Some of Myanmar`s two dozen armed groups have supported opponents of the junta, whose forces have killed more than 750 civilians to try to suppress protests against the coup, according to an activist group. 
 
Elsewhere in Myanmar, there have been relatively few reports of bloodshed since the weekend meeting between junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and Southeast Asian leaders to try to find a way out of the crisis. 
 
But Myanmar media reported at least one man was shot dead in the city of Mandalay on Monday. The circumstances were unclear. 
 
Protesters have vowed to step up action against the junta. 
 
On Monday, they called on people to stop paying electricity bills and agricultural loans and to keep their children away from school. 
 
"Education staff and students are strongly encouraged to join the boycott and stand together by not attending school," protest leader Ei Thin Zar Maung posted on social media. 
 
Activists have criticised the so-called five-point consensus that came out of the meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the weekend, saying that it helped to legitimise the junta and fell far short of their demands. 
 
In particular it did not specifically call for the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, 75, and other political prisoners. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners advocacy group says more than 3,400 people have been detained for opposing the coup. 
 
Suu Kyi`s party won a second term in November. The election commission said the vote was fair but the military said fraud at the polls had forced it to seize power.

Heavy fighting erupted at a Myanmar army outpost near the eastern border with Thailand early on Tuesday in an area largely controlled by forces of a Karen ethnic army.

Heavy fighting erupted at a Myanmar army outpost near the eastern border with Thailand early on Tuesday in an area largely controlled by forces of a Karen ethnic army. The Karen National Union (KNU) said it had captured the army position, in some of the most intense clashes since a Feb. 1 coup plunged Myanmar into crisis. The fighting also came days after Southeast Asian leaders said they had reached consensus with the junta on ending violence. Villagers across the Salween river in Thailand said heavy gunfire started before sunrise. Video posted on social media showed flames and smoke on the forested hillside. Forces of the Karen National Union had taken the outpost at around 5 am to 6 am (2230 to 2330 GMT), the group`s head of foreign affairs, Padoh Saw Taw Nee, told Reuters. He said the camp had been occupied and burned down and that the group was still checking on deaths and casualties. The spokesman said there had been fighting in other locations too, but did not give details. The Karen Information Center, a local media group, said the army base had been overrun. It said villagers had seen seven soldiers running away. Myanmar`s army made no immediate comment. It historically proclaimed itself the one institution that can keep the multi-ethnic country of over 53 million people together, though much of Myanmar has rallied in opposition to its coup. The army base at the Thai border had been largely surrounded by KNU forces and food had run short there in recent weeks, according to Thai villagers who had had contact with the soldiers. A Thai official from the Mae Hong Son province said one person had been wounded in Thailand during the fighting, but did not have further details. KNU forces had clashed elsewhere with the army since it seized power and cut short a decade of democratic reforms that had also brought relative peace in Myanmar`s volatile borderlands. THOUSANDS FLED Karen groups say 24,000 people have been displaced in recent weeks by the violence, including air strikes by Myanmar’s air force, and are sheltering in the jungle. Some of Myanmar`s two dozen armed groups have supported opponents of the junta, whose forces have killed more than 750 civilians to try to suppress protests against the coup, according to an activist group. Elsewhere in Myanmar, there have been relatively few reports of bloodshed since the weekend meeting between junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and Southeast Asian leaders to try to find a way out of the crisis. But Myanmar media reported at least one man was shot dead in the city of Mandalay on Monday. The circumstances were unclear. Protesters have vowed to step up action against the junta. On Monday, they called on people to stop paying electricity bills and agricultural loans and to keep their children away from school. "Education staff and students are strongly encouraged to join the boycott and stand together by not attending school," protest leader Ei Thin Zar Maung posted on social media. Activists have criticised the so-called five-point consensus that came out of the meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the weekend, saying that it helped to legitimise the junta and fell far short of their demands. In particular it did not specifically call for the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, 75, and other political prisoners. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners advocacy group says more than 3,400 people have been detained for opposing the coup. Suu Kyi`s party won a second term in November. The election commission said the vote was fair but the military said fraud at the polls had forced it to seize power.

Fighting in Myanmar erupts near Thai border

Amnesty International urged Southeast Asian nations on Friday to investigate&nbsp;Myanmar's junta leader for crimes against humanity amid reports that he will attend a regional summit on the crisis in his country this week.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit is to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing,&nbsp;Myanmar's junta chief who ousted the civilian government on February&nbsp;1, is likely to attend, diplomats and officials in the host nation have said.

Authorities in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;have not commented on the reports.

"As a state party to the UN Convention Against Torture, Indonesia has a legal obligation to prosecute or extradite a suspected perpetrator on its territory," Amnesty said in a statement.

The meeting is the first concerted international effort to ease the crisis in&nbsp;Myanmar, where security forces have killed hundreds of pro-democracy protesters since the February coup.

It is also a test for ASEAN, which traditionally does not interfere in the internal affairs of a member state and operates by consensus.

"The&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;crisis trigged by the military presents ASEAN with the biggest test in its history," Emerlynne Gil, Amnesty’s Deputy Regional Director for Research, said in the statement.

"The bloc's usual commitment to non-interference is a non-starter: this is not an internal matter for&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;but a major human rights and humanitarian crisis which is impacting the entire region and beyond."

A grouping of 45 Southeast Asian non-governmental organisations said the invitation to Min Aung Hlaing to attend the summit "provides legitimacy...to the genocidal slaughter being committed by the military regime against its own citizens and people".

It urged ASEAN leaders to include&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;lawmakers ousted by the military to attend the Jakarta meeting.

"ASEAN leaders will not be able to achieve anything at this summit to solve the current crisis without consulting and negotiating with the rightful representatives of the peoples of&nbsp;Myanmar," the NGOs said in a letter published on social media.

ASEAN's members include&nbsp;Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Myanmar's military has shown no sign of wanting to talk to members of the government it ousted, accusing some of them of treason, which is punishable by death.

The foreign minister of China,&nbsp;Myanmar's giant neighbour and which many protesters say supports the junta, said he hoped the summit would pave the way for a "soft landing".

China is not a member of ASEAN, but is included in an ASEAN Plus Three grouping, along with Japan and South Korea. It was not immediately clear whether China will be attending Saturday's meeting in Jakarta.

"China will maintain close communication with ASEAN, and continue to handle any work related to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;in its own way," said China's State Councillor Wang Yi, who is also foreign minister.

Last week,&nbsp;Myanmar's pro-democracy politicians, including ousted members of parliament, announced the formation of a National Unity Government that nominally includes deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been in detention since the coup, as well as leaders of the protests and ethnic minorities.

The junta has called it an unlawful organisation.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;activist group, says 739 people have been killed by security forces since the coup and 3,300 people are in detention.

Amnesty International urged Southeast Asian nations on Friday to investigate Myanmar's junta leader for crimes against humanity amid reports that he will attend a regional summit on the crisis in his country this week.

Amnesty International urged Southeast Asian nations on Friday to investigate Myanmar's junta leader for crimes against humanity amid reports that he will attend a regional summit on the crisis in his country this week. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit is to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's junta chief who ousted the civilian government on February 1, is likely to attend, diplomats and officials in the host nation have said. Authorities in Myanmar have not commented on the reports. "As a state party to the UN Convention Against Torture, Indonesia has a legal obligation to prosecute or extradite a suspected perpetrator on its territory," Amnesty said in a statement. The meeting is the first concerted international effort to ease the crisis in Myanmar, where security forces have killed hundreds of pro-democracy protesters since the February coup. It is also a test for ASEAN, which traditionally does not interfere in the internal affairs of a member state and operates by consensus. "The Myanmar crisis trigged by the military presents ASEAN with the biggest test in its history," Emerlynne Gil, Amnesty’s Deputy Regional Director for Research, said in the statement. "The bloc's usual commitment to non-interference is a non-starter: this is not an internal matter for Myanmar but a major human rights and humanitarian crisis which is impacting the entire region and beyond." A grouping of 45 Southeast Asian non-governmental organisations said the invitation to Min Aung Hlaing to attend the summit "provides legitimacy...to the genocidal slaughter being committed by the military regime against its own citizens and people". It urged ASEAN leaders to include Myanmar lawmakers ousted by the military to attend the Jakarta meeting. "ASEAN leaders will not be able to achieve anything at this summit to solve the current crisis without consulting and negotiating with the rightful representatives of the peoples of Myanmar," the NGOs said in a letter published on social media. ASEAN's members include Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Myanmar's military has shown no sign of wanting to talk to members of the government it ousted, accusing some of them of treason, which is punishable by death. The foreign minister of China, Myanmar's giant neighbour and which many protesters say supports the junta, said he hoped the summit would pave the way for a "soft landing". China is not a member of ASEAN, but is included in an ASEAN Plus Three grouping, along with Japan and South Korea. It was not immediately clear whether China will be attending Saturday's meeting in Jakarta. "China will maintain close communication with ASEAN, and continue to handle any work related to Myanmar in its own way," said China's State Councillor Wang Yi, who is also foreign minister. Last week, Myanmar's pro-democracy politicians, including ousted members of parliament, announced the formation of a National Unity Government that nominally includes deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been in detention since the coup, as well as leaders of the protests and ethnic minorities. The junta has called it an unlawful organisation. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a Myanmar activist group, says 739 people have been killed by security forces since the coup and 3,300 people are in detention.

Ahead of regional summit on Myanmar, Amnesty urges probe of junta chief

Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn was locked out of the embassy in UK by Myanmar's junta earlier this month. In an exclusive online interview to WION, he shares the prognosis for the crisis created by the military coup in February.

He said the country will see a civil war and total destruction if negotiations are not held. Pointing out that China is arming both the military and ethnic armed groups, he said Beijing should ask the junta to stop the violence and killing its own people.

The ambassador also expressed support for the newly formed national unity government, saying it should be allowed at the ASEAN summit on the Myanmar crisis on April 24, which is to be attended by the military junta's chief.

Here is the interview:

WION: As we speak, the brutal crackdown against the coup continues. You were unceremoniously ousted from the embassy.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is your current status in the UK?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;UK government allows me to stay here for 31 days (starting&nbsp;8th April) with P&amp;Is&nbsp;(Privileges and immunities). During the 31 days, I need to keep my stuff and prepare for leaving.

WION: Along with the UK, you are also the ambassador to Ireland, Sweden and Denmark. What is currently your diplomatic status in those countries?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;I am sure that the military regime already sent official letters to these countries for eliminating my ambassador status.Till now, I don't see any announcements about me from these foreign ministries. I wish I&nbsp;could be still recognised as ambassador.&nbsp;

WION: You have said that your friends and relatives at home have been forced into hiding fearing reprisals from the military regime. When did you speak to them last, and could you share with us how they are now?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;I don't want to talk about this.The less I talk, the more safe they are.&nbsp;

WION: Since the February 1 coup, more than 3,100 people -- the bulk of them anti-coup protesters and activists -- have been detained. Over 700 people have been killed. How do you plan to continue raising your voice?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;&nbsp;I believe that we have only one peaceful resolution, that is at the negotiation table. As I am a diplomat and an ambassador, I would like to see a peaceful resolution. Stop killing&nbsp;people and release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi&nbsp;&nbsp;and&nbsp;president etc. Some people&nbsp;don't agree with my way. They would like to fight back military Regime. If fighting keeps going, we will have "Civil War" and total destruction.

WION: The EU, US and Britain have already imposed sanctions on the junta. Do you think that enough is being done to pressurise the regime?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;The military regime has been receiving so many sanctions since 1962. They also have a lot of "strongly condemned" messages from the [United Nations] Security Council. They have learnt many many lessons.I don't think&nbsp;sanction is enough but I believe it is one of the tools for pressurising the regime.

WION: The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a political solution for the crisis. But with leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi behind bars and multiple charges slapped on them, do you think a political solution can be found in near future?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;I don't think they (regime) are going to step back. But a political solution could be to stop Myanmar people dying inside.&nbsp;

WION: The Myanmar military says that the elections were fraudulent and hence it detained the political leadership. In your view, what is the real reason for the actions of the junta?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;Well, they would like to purge Daw ASSK from the future of Myanmar political' stage. They have so many reasons and propaganda: 'because she married a British citizen, she is close with Western&nbsp;countries, she is a&nbsp;puppet of UK and USA etc.'

WION: How do you view China's role in the Myanmar crisis, as we have seen many Chinese factories being targeted by angry protesters?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;China has a vital role for Myanmar History.&nbsp;We had fought three wars with the Chinese in our Kings' era. Our country was affected by Chinese Culture Revolution. Chinese troops supported the Myanmar Communist Party.&nbsp; When China's transition from a planned economy to a market economy began at the end of 1978, the Chinese stopped supporting Myanmar communist party. After that, military regime has good relationship with&nbsp;Chinese again.

Chinese used&nbsp;&nbsp;so many vetoes for Myanmar at Security Council and at the same time is selling arms to Myanmar Army as well as to ethnic armed groups, and investing in multi-billion dollar projects including Kyauk&nbsp;Phyu sea port and gas&nbsp;pipeline from&nbsp;Myanmar to Yunnan&nbsp;province. People of Myanmar understand the Chinese and regime are very close and that's why they attacked Chinese infrastructure.&nbsp;

The Myanmar issue is very important for Chinese as well. They need to convince the regime to stop violence and stop killing their own&nbsp;people. Otherwise they will face a lose -lose situation in Myanmar.

WION: Despite the crackdown, the protests show no sign of ebbing. What have sources from the ground back home told you? What is the mood in Myanmar?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;Most of the protesters have no arms. Some created handmade weapons. Even they don't have enough weapons. As you mentioned, there is no sign of ebbing. I always pay my respect for their bravery and salute the&nbsp;people who died&nbsp;&nbsp;for democracy.

WION: Now that the junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is set to attend the ASEAN summit&nbsp;on April 24, do you think the regional grouping can play a role in bringing about a solution to the crisis? Also, do you agree that the newly formed National Unity Government (NUG) should be allowed to attend the summit talks as it had demanded?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;First of all, I would like to say I support NUG.&nbsp;NUG deserves to attend the summit and to be recognised as a legitimate government by a whole world.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn was locked out of the embassy in UK by Myanmar's junta earlier this month. In an exclusive online interview to WION, he shares the prognosis for the crisis created by the military coup in February.

Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn was locked out of the embassy in UK by Myanmar's junta earlier this month. In an exclusive online interview to WION, he shares the prognosis for the crisis created by the military coup in February. He said the country will see a civil war and total destruction if negotiations are not held. Pointing out that China is arming both the military and ethnic armed groups, he said Beijing should ask the junta to stop the violence and killing its own people. The ambassador also expressed support for the newly formed national unity government, saying it should be allowed at the ASEAN summit on the Myanmar crisis on April 24, which is to be attended by the military junta's chief. Here is the interview: WION: As we speak, the brutal crackdown against the coup continues. You were unceremoniously ousted from the embassy. What is your current status in the UK? Kyaw Zwar Minn: UK government allows me to stay here for 31 days (starting 8th April) with P&Is (Privileges and immunities). During the 31 days, I need to keep my stuff and prepare for leaving. WION: Along with the UK, you are also the ambassador to Ireland, Sweden and Denmark. What is currently your diplomatic status in those countries? Kyaw Zwar Minn: I am sure that the military regime already sent official letters to these countries for eliminating my ambassador status.Till now, I don't see any announcements about me from these foreign ministries. I wish I could be still recognised as ambassador. WION: You have said that your friends and relatives at home have been forced into hiding fearing reprisals from the military regime. When did you speak to them last, and could you share with us how they are now? Kyaw Zwar Minn: I don't want to talk about this.The less I talk, the more safe they are. WION: Since the February 1 coup, more than 3,100 people -- the bulk of them anti-coup protesters and activists -- have been detained. Over 700 people have been killed. How do you plan to continue raising your voice? Kyaw Zwar Minn: I believe that we have only one peaceful resolution, that is at the negotiation table. As I am a diplomat and an ambassador, I would like to see a peaceful resolution. Stop killing people and release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and president etc. Some people don't agree with my way. They would like to fight back military Regime. If fighting keeps going, we will have "Civil War" and total destruction. WION: The EU, US and Britain have already imposed sanctions on the junta. Do you think that enough is being done to pressurise the regime? Kyaw Zwar Minn: The military regime has been receiving so many sanctions since 1962. They also have a lot of "strongly condemned" messages from the [United Nations] Security Council. They have learnt many many lessons.I don't think sanction is enough but I believe it is one of the tools for pressurising the regime. WION: The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a political solution for the crisis. But with leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi behind bars and multiple charges slapped on them, do you think a political solution can be found in near future? Kyaw Zwar Minn: I don't think they (regime) are going to step back. But a political solution could be to stop Myanmar people dying inside. WION: The Myanmar military says that the elections were fraudulent and hence it detained the political leadership. In your view, what is the real reason for the actions of the junta? Kyaw Zwar Minn: Well, they would like to purge Daw ASSK from the future of Myanmar political' stage. They have so many reasons and propaganda: 'because she married a British citizen, she is close with Western countries, she is a puppet of UK and USA etc.' WION: How do you view China's role in the Myanmar crisis, as we have seen many Chinese factories being targeted by angry protesters? Kyaw Zwar Minn: China has a vital role for Myanmar History. We had fought three wars with the Chinese in our Kings' era. Our country was affected by Chinese Culture Revolution. Chinese troops supported the Myanmar Communist Party. When China's transition from a planned economy to a market economy began at the end of 1978, the Chinese stopped supporting Myanmar communist party. After that, military regime has good relationship with Chinese again. Chinese used so many vetoes for Myanmar at Security Council and at the same time is selling arms to Myanmar Army as well as to ethnic armed groups, and investing in multi-billion dollar projects including Kyauk Phyu sea port and gas pipeline from Myanmar to Yunnan province. People of Myanmar understand the Chinese and regime are very close and that's why they attacked Chinese infrastructure. The Myanmar issue is very important for Chinese as well. They need to convince the regime to stop violence and stop killing their own people. Otherwise they will face a lose -lose situation in Myanmar. WION: Despite the crackdown, the protests show no sign of ebbing. What have sources from the ground back home told you? What is the mood in Myanmar? Kyaw Zwar Minn: Most of the protesters have no arms. Some created handmade weapons. Even they don't have enough weapons. As you mentioned, there is no sign of ebbing. I always pay my respect for their bravery and salute the people who died for democracy. WION: Now that the junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is set to attend the ASEAN summit on April 24, do you think the regional grouping can play a role in bringing about a solution to the crisis? Also, do you agree that the newly formed National Unity Government (NUG) should be allowed to attend the summit talks as it had demanded? Kyaw Zwar Minn: First of all, I would like to say I support NUG. NUG deserves to attend the summit and to be recognised as a legitimate government by a whole world.

WION Exclusive: Myanmar will have civil war if fighting goes on, warns envoy to UK ousted by junta

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his American counterpart Tony Blinken on Monday discussed on phone bilateral and regional issues including Afghanistan, Myanmar, and climate change.

''Had a warm and productive conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to reaffirm the importance of the US-India relationship. We discussed regional security issues of mutual concern in Afghanistan and Burma and global challenges such as climate change,''&nbsp;Blinken said in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Had a warm and productive conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-India relationship. We discussed regional security issues of mutual concern in Afghanistan and Burma and global challenges such as climate change.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1384265377593495552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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''Conversation covered recent developments in India's immediate and extended neighbourhood. Exchanged views on the UNSC agenda. Also discussed issues pertaining to our health cooperation,''&nbsp;Jaishankar said in a separate tweet.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Spoke to my US counterpart Secretary of State <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecBlinken</a> this evening. Conversation covered recent developments in India’s immediate and extended neighbourhood. Exchanged views on the UNSC agenda. Also discussed issues pertaining to our health cooperation.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1384145024829456388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Blinken spoke with Jaishankar to reaffirm the importance of the US-India relationship and cooperation on regional security issues, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a readout of the call.

The two leaders agreed to close and frequent coordination in support of a lasting peace and development for the people of Afghanistan, Price said.

They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic values and mutual support for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar, he added.

''Blinken and Jaishankar discussed US-India cooperation on climate change, COVID-19, and other global challenges and pledged to remain in close contact on these and other issues of mutual concern,''&nbsp;Price said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his American counterpart Tony Blinken on Monday discussed on phone bilateral and regional issues including Afghanistan, Myanmar, and climate change.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his American counterpart Tony Blinken on Monday discussed on phone bilateral and regional issues including Afghanistan, Myanmar, and climate change. ''Had a warm and productive conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to reaffirm the importance of the US-India relationship. We discussed regional security issues of mutual concern in Afghanistan and Burma and global challenges such as climate change,'' Blinken said in a tweet. Had a warm and productive conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-India relationship. We discussed regional security issues of mutual concern in Afghanistan and Burma and global challenges such as climate change. — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 19, 2021 × ''Conversation covered recent developments in India's immediate and extended neighbourhood. Exchanged views on the UNSC agenda. Also discussed issues pertaining to our health cooperation,'' Jaishankar said in a separate tweet. Spoke to my US counterpart Secretary of State @SecBlinken this evening. Conversation covered recent developments in India’s immediate and extended neighbourhood. Exchanged views on the UNSC agenda. Also discussed issues pertaining to our health cooperation. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 19, 2021 × Blinken spoke with Jaishankar to reaffirm the importance of the US-India relationship and cooperation on regional security issues, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a readout of the call. The two leaders agreed to close and frequent coordination in support of a lasting peace and development for the people of Afghanistan, Price said. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic values and mutual support for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar, he added. ''Blinken and Jaishankar discussed US-India cooperation on climate change, COVID-19, and other global challenges and pledged to remain in close contact on these and other issues of mutual concern,'' Price said.

EAM Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Blinken discuss security issues in Afghanistan, Myanmar

Southeast Asian countries will discuss the crisis in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;at a summit in Jakarta on Saturday, the ASEAN bloc's secretariat said on Tuesday, but Thailand's prime minister said several will be represented only by their foreign ministers.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said he would not be attending and that Thailand would be represented by Deputy Prime Minister Don Pramudwinai, who is also foreign minister.

"Some other countries will also send their foreign ministers," Prayuth, a former army chief who led a coup in Thailand in 2014, told reporters after a weekly cabinet meeting.

A Thai government official said on Saturday that&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;junta chief Min Aung Hlaing would go to Jakarta, although the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;government has not commented. However, this is seen as unlikely - in previous stints of military rule,&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;has usually been represented at regional meetings by a prime minister or foreign minister.

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been trying to find a way to guide fellow member&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;out of the bloody turmoil that it descended into after the military overthrew an elected government, led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, on February&nbsp;1.

But there have been divergent views among ASEAN members over how to respond to the army's use of lethal force against civilians and the group's policies of consensus and non-interference in each others’ affairs have limited its ability to act.

Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore have sought to ramp up pressure on the junta. Thailand,&nbsp;Myanmar's neighbour, has said it is "gravely concerned" about escalating bloodshed, but close military ties and fears of a flood of refugees mean it is unlikely to go further.

Brunei, the current chair of the bloc, said after a meeting of the group's foreign ministers in March that ASEAN expressed concern about the situation in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and called on "all parties to refrain from instigating further violence".

LITTLE WILLINGNESS

Romeo Jr. Abad Arca, assistant director of the community relations division of the ASEAN Secretariat, said Saturday's summit would take place at its Jakarta headquarters under strict health and security protocols due to the pandemic, confirming an earlier advisory.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group, 738 people have been killed by&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;security forces since the coup.

Myanmar's military has shown little willingness to engage with its neighbours and no sign of wanting to talk to members of the government it ousted, accusing some of them of treason, which is punishable by death.

Pro-democracy politicians including ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party announced the formation of a National Unity Government (NUG) on Friday.

It includes Suu Kyi, who has been in detention since the coup, as well as leaders of the pro-democracy protests and ethnic minorities.

The NUG says it is the legitimate authority and has called for international recognition and an invitation to the ASEAN meeting in place of the junta leader.

Former U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon urged his successor to engage directly with&nbsp;Myanmar's military to prevent rising violence and said Southeast Asian countries should not dismiss the turmoil as an internal issue for&nbsp;Myanmar.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' special envoy on&nbsp;Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, has communicated with the military since the coup, but the junta has not allowed her to visit.

In its firmest response yet, the European Union said on Monday nine members of the junta's State Administration Council, formed the day after the coup, had been targeted with travel bans and asset freezes. Information Minister U Chit Naing was sanctioned also.

The decision follows similar measures by the United States. Min Aung Hlaing and Myint Swe, who has been acting president since the coup, were blacklisted by the EU last month.

Southeast Asian countries will discuss the crisis in Myanmar at a summit in Jakarta on Saturday, the ASEAN bloc's secretariat said on Tuesday, but Thailand's prime minister said several will be represented only by their foreign ministers.

Southeast Asian countries will discuss the crisis in Myanmar at a summit in Jakarta on Saturday, the ASEAN bloc's secretariat said on Tuesday, but Thailand's prime minister said several will be represented only by their foreign ministers. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said he would not be attending and that Thailand would be represented by Deputy Prime Minister Don Pramudwinai, who is also foreign minister. "Some other countries will also send their foreign ministers," Prayuth, a former army chief who led a coup in Thailand in 2014, told reporters after a weekly cabinet meeting. A Thai government official said on Saturday that Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing would go to Jakarta, although the Myanmar government has not commented. However, this is seen as unlikely - in previous stints of military rule, Myanmar has usually been represented at regional meetings by a prime minister or foreign minister. The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been trying to find a way to guide fellow member Myanmar out of the bloody turmoil that it descended into after the military overthrew an elected government, led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, on February 1. But there have been divergent views among ASEAN members over how to respond to the army's use of lethal force against civilians and the group's policies of consensus and non-interference in each others’ affairs have limited its ability to act. Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore have sought to ramp up pressure on the junta. Thailand, Myanmar's neighbour, has said it is "gravely concerned" about escalating bloodshed, but close military ties and fears of a flood of refugees mean it is unlikely to go further. Brunei, the current chair of the bloc, said after a meeting of the group's foreign ministers in March that ASEAN expressed concern about the situation in Myanmar and called on "all parties to refrain from instigating further violence". LITTLE WILLINGNESS Romeo Jr. Abad Arca, assistant director of the community relations division of the ASEAN Secretariat, said Saturday's summit would take place at its Jakarta headquarters under strict health and security protocols due to the pandemic, confirming an earlier advisory. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group, 738 people have been killed by Myanmar security forces since the coup. Myanmar's military has shown little willingness to engage with its neighbours and no sign of wanting to talk to members of the government it ousted, accusing some of them of treason, which is punishable by death. Pro-democracy politicians including ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party announced the formation of a National Unity Government (NUG) on Friday. It includes Suu Kyi, who has been in detention since the coup, as well as leaders of the pro-democracy protests and ethnic minorities. The NUG says it is the legitimate authority and has called for international recognition and an invitation to the ASEAN meeting in place of the junta leader. Former U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon urged his successor to engage directly with Myanmar's military to prevent rising violence and said Southeast Asian countries should not dismiss the turmoil as an internal issue for Myanmar. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, has communicated with the military since the coup, but the junta has not allowed her to visit. In its firmest response yet, the European Union said on Monday nine members of the junta's State Administration Council, formed the day after the coup, had been targeted with travel bans and asset freezes. Information Minister U Chit Naing was sanctioned also. The decision follows similar measures by the United States. Min Aung Hlaing and Myint Swe, who has been acting president since the coup, were blacklisted by the EU last month.

ASEAN calls summit on Myanmar crisis as EU imposes sanctions

A Japanese journalist covering the coup in Myanmar has been arrested for the second time, leading Tokyo to call for his immediate release on Monday.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters in Tokyo&nbsp;that Japan is asking Myanmar authorities to explain the arrest and provide other details while asking for his release as soon as possible.

Kato did not give the joruinalist's identity, but media reports identified him as Yuki Kitazumi, who runs a media production company, Yangon Media Professionals. He was arrested previously in February while covering protests against the February&nbsp;1 coup but was released soon after.

Myanmar authorities again detained him on Sunday after picking him up from his home in Yangon, the reports said.

Kitazumi, a former Nikkei business newspaper reporter, is&nbsp;currently based in Yangon as a freelance journalist. 
"We will continue asking the Myanmar side for his early release, while doing our utmost for the protection of the Japanese citizens in that country," Kato said. 
Japan's NHK public television quoted witnesses as saying that they saw Kitazumi being arrested and taken from his home. 
Japan has stepped up its criticism of Myanmar's deadly crackdown on opposition but has taken a milder approach than the US and some other countries that imposed sanctions against members of the military junta.

(with inputs from agencies)

A Japanese journalist covering the coup in Myanmar has been arrested for the second time, leading Tokyo to call for his immediate release on Monday. Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters in Tokyo that Japan is asking Myanmar authorities to explain the arrest and provide other details while asking for his release as soon as possible.

A Japanese journalist covering the coup in Myanmar has been arrested for the second time, leading Tokyo to call for his immediate release on Monday. Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters in Tokyo that Japan is asking Myanmar authorities to explain the arrest and provide other details while asking for his release as soon as possible. Kato did not give the joruinalist's identity, but media reports identified him as Yuki Kitazumi, who runs a media production company, Yangon Media Professionals. He was arrested previously in February while covering protests against the February 1 coup but was released soon after. Myanmar authorities again detained him on Sunday after picking him up from his home in Yangon, the reports said. Kitazumi, a former Nikkei business newspaper reporter, is currently based in Yangon as a freelance journalist. "We will continue asking the Myanmar side for his early release, while doing our utmost for the protection of the Japanese citizens in that country," Kato said. Japan's NHK public television quoted witnesses as saying that they saw Kitazumi being arrested and taken from his home. Japan has stepped up its criticism of Myanmar's deadly crackdown on opposition but has taken a milder approach than the US and some other countries that imposed sanctions against members of the military junta. (with inputs from agencies)

Japan seeks release of journalist arrested in Myanmar for second time

A monintoring group called for international action after Myanmar's military junta aired images of anti-coup protesters that appeared to show them having been tortured and bruised.

The images were tweeted by The Asistancce Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a human rights organisation working to secure the release of prisoners in the country.

"Emboldened through impunity. This junta uses torture as its policy. AAPP is concerned for all those detained particularly in undisclosed locations If international community does not act. Torture, and to death, will clearly continue," AAPP said in a tweet.

&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Emboldened through impunity 
 
This junta uses torture as its policy 
 
AAPP is concerned for all those detained particularly in undisclosed locations 
 
If international community does not act. Torture, and to death, will clearly continue <a href="https://t.co/6pGU3tSVT3">pic.twitter.com/6pGU3tSVT3</a>
— AAPP (Burma) (@aapp_burma) <a href="https://twitter.com/aapp_burma/status/1383843295088898058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to AAPP, as of Sunday, 3,229 protesters have been&nbsp;detained or sentenced, and&nbsp;930 have been issued arrest warrants. The monitoring group said&nbsp;737 people have been killed since the coup ousted the government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in February.

Images carried on Sunday by&nbsp;junta-owned MRTV showed six detainees, including two women. Their faces appeared&nbsp;engorged, bloodied or bruised.&nbsp;The jaw of one of the women was swollen and she appeared to have a black eye.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Myanmar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Myanmar</a>’s military screened the pictures on the right - young women they had detained, bearing harrowing signs of abuse - on the nightly news today. They fact they felt free to show these images - and wanted to - speaks volumes. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhatsHappeningInMyanmar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar</a> <a href="https://t.co/lt5CeNc06B">pic.twitter.com/lt5CeNc06B</a>
— Poppy McPherson (@poppymcp) <a href="https://twitter.com/poppymcp/status/1383836051551121424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The MRTV report said the protesters were&nbsp;arrested on Sunday in Yankin, a suburb of Yangon, the country's biggest city.

Kim Jolliffe, a researcher on Myanmar, said in a tweet: "The Myanmar&nbsp;junta's strategy from start to finish is based on the same gambit: "We can be more brutal than you... We can be more shockingly hurtful and terrifying than you" That is all they have. But it knows no bounds."

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A monintoring group called for international action after Myanmar's military junta aired images of anti-coup protesters that appeared to show them having been tortured and bruised.

A monintoring group called for international action after Myanmar's military junta aired images of anti-coup protesters that appeared to show them having been tortured and bruised. The images were tweeted by The Asistancce Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a human rights organisation working to secure the release of prisoners in the country. "Emboldened through impunity. This junta uses torture as its policy. AAPP is concerned for all those detained particularly in undisclosed locations If international community does not act. Torture, and to death, will clearly continue," AAPP said in a tweet. Emboldened through impunity This junta uses torture as its policy AAPP is concerned for all those detained particularly in undisclosed locations If international community does not act. Torture, and to death, will clearly continue pic.twitter.com/6pGU3tSVT3 — AAPP (Burma) (@aapp_burma) April 18, 2021 × According to AAPP, as of Sunday, 3,229 protesters have been detained or sentenced, and 930 have been issued arrest warrants. The monitoring group said 737 people have been killed since the coup ousted the government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in February. Images carried on Sunday by junta-owned MRTV showed six detainees, including two women. Their faces appeared engorged, bloodied or bruised. The jaw of one of the women was swollen and she appeared to have a black eye. #Myanmar’s military screened the pictures on the right - young women they had detained, bearing harrowing signs of abuse - on the nightly news today. They fact they felt free to show these images - and wanted to - speaks volumes. #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar pic.twitter.com/lt5CeNc06B — Poppy McPherson (@poppymcp) April 18, 2021 × The MRTV report said the protesters were arrested on Sunday in Yankin, a suburb of Yangon, the country's biggest city. Kim Jolliffe, a researcher on Myanmar, said in a tweet: "The Myanmar junta's strategy from start to finish is based on the same gambit: "We can be more brutal than you... We can be more shockingly hurtful and terrifying than you" That is all they have. But it knows no bounds." (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar military TV shows bruised protesters, leading to outcry

The junta is planning to release more than 23,000 prisoners nationwide, an official said Saturday, even as the military continues to detain and issue arrest warrants for anti-coup dissidents.

Myanmar typically grants an annual amnesty to thousands of prisoners to mark its traditional Buddhist New Year holiday — which in previous years have been joyous affairs with city-wide water fights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-military-junta-leader-to-attend-asean-summit-378185">Myanmar military junta leader to attend ASEAN summit</a>

But this year, with the military back in power after ousting civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, anti-coup activists have used the holiday as an opportunity to protest the growing death toll and mass arrests.

It remains unclear whether anti-junta protesters or journalists jailed covering the coup will be among those freed.

A prison official told AFP on condition of anonymity that jails across the country will start freeing more than 23,000 people on Saturday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opponents-of-myanmar-coup-announce-unity-government-377962" hreflang="en">Opponents of Myanmar coup announce unity government</a>

"We will release more than 800 prisoners from Insein prison" in commercial hub Yangon, he added, declining to elaborate.

In February, the junta released a similar number of prisoners, with some rights groups at the time fearing the move was to free up space for opponents of the military as well as cause chaos in communities. &nbsp;

On Wednesday a rebel group executed a man who had been freed in that amnesty, who it said had subsequently raped and killed a five-year-old girl.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-military-shoots-at-protesting-medical-workers-377805" hreflang="en">Myanmar military shoots at protesting medical workers</a>

Just before Armed Forces Day, the regime also freed around 900 jailed demonstrators.

But since the February 1 coup, more than 3,100 people — the bulk of them anti-coup protesters and activists — have been detained, according to local monitoring group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

The junta has issued nightly arrest warrants on state-run media, targeting celebrities, influencers, journalists and prominent activists with large social media followings.

By Friday night, they totalled 380.

Some 80 doctors have also been named as wanted fugitives for attempting to "deteriorate peace and stability".

Myanmar's healthcare workers have been at the forefront of a nationwide civil disobedience movement, refusing to return to work under a military regime. Their absence has left many of the country's hospitals unstaffed during the pandemic.

The country has been under the junta's control for 11 weeks.

The military has consistently justified the putsch by alleging widespread fraud in November's elections, which Suu Kyi's party had won in a landslide.

The junta is planning to release more than 23,000 prisoners nationwide, an official said Saturday, even as the military continues to detain and issue arrest warrants for anti-coup dissidents.

The junta is planning to release more than 23,000 prisoners nationwide, an official said Saturday, even as the military continues to detain and issue arrest warrants for anti-coup dissidents. Myanmar typically grants an annual amnesty to thousands of prisoners to mark its traditional Buddhist New Year holiday — which in previous years have been joyous affairs with city-wide water fights. Also read | Myanmar military junta leader to attend ASEAN summit But this year, with the military back in power after ousting civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, anti-coup activists have used the holiday as an opportunity to protest the growing death toll and mass arrests. It remains unclear whether anti-junta protesters or journalists jailed covering the coup will be among those freed. A prison official told AFP on condition of anonymity that jails across the country will start freeing more than 23,000 people on Saturday. Also read | Opponents of Myanmar coup announce unity government "We will release more than 800 prisoners from Insein prison" in commercial hub Yangon, he added, declining to elaborate. In February, the junta released a similar number of prisoners, with some rights groups at the time fearing the move was to free up space for opponents of the military as well as cause chaos in communities. On Wednesday a rebel group executed a man who had been freed in that amnesty, who it said had subsequently raped and killed a five-year-old girl. Also read | Myanmar military shoots at protesting medical workers Just before Armed Forces Day, the regime also freed around 900 jailed demonstrators. But since the February 1 coup, more than 3,100 people — the bulk of them anti-coup protesters and activists — have been detained, according to local monitoring group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. The junta has issued nightly arrest warrants on state-run media, targeting celebrities, influencers, journalists and prominent activists with large social media followings. By Friday night, they totalled 380. Some 80 doctors have also been named as wanted fugitives for attempting to "deteriorate peace and stability". Myanmar's healthcare workers have been at the forefront of a nationwide civil disobedience movement, refusing to return to work under a military regime. Their absence has left many of the country's hospitals unstaffed during the pandemic. The country has been under the junta's control for 11 weeks. The military has consistently justified the putsch by alleging widespread fraud in November's elections, which Suu Kyi's party had won in a landslide.

Myanmar's junta releases 23,000 prisoners in New Year's amnesty

Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing will join a special ASEAN summit next week, said Thai foreign ministry on Saturday. This will be his first official trip since Myanmar military's February 1 coup that toppled the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

"Several leaders have confirmed their attendance including Myanmar’s MAH (Min Aung Hlaing)," said Thai foreign ministry spokesman Tanee Sangrat in a message to reporters.

The meeting of 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is set to take place in Jakarta on April 24.

Activists were not pleased with Myanmar junta leader attending the ASEAN meet.

"#ASEAN do not legitimize the Myanmar Military junta as a government by inviting MAH to attend the summit," said prominent activist Wai Wai Nu on Twitter. "(The) Junta is illegitimate and illegal."

Myanmar has seen fierce anti-democracy protests after February 1 coup. This has seen thousands of people taking to streets in cities across Myanmar to declare their support for democratic government.

The military junta has used strong-handed tactics including use of firearms that has seen hundreds of protesters getting killed till date.

(With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing will join a special ASEAN summit next week, said Thai foreign ministry on Saturday. This will be his first official trip since Myanmar military's February 1 coup that toppled the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing will join a special ASEAN summit next week, said Thai foreign ministry on Saturday. This will be his first official trip since Myanmar military's February 1 coup that toppled the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. "Several leaders have confirmed their attendance including Myanmar’s MAH (Min Aung Hlaing)," said Thai foreign ministry spokesman Tanee Sangrat in a message to reporters. The meeting of 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is set to take place in Jakarta on April 24. Activists were not pleased with Myanmar junta leader attending the ASEAN meet. "#ASEAN do not legitimize the Myanmar Military junta as a government by inviting MAH to attend the summit," said prominent activist Wai Wai Nu on Twitter. "(The) Junta is illegitimate and illegal." Myanmar has seen fierce anti-democracy protests after February 1 coup. This has seen thousands of people taking to streets in cities across Myanmar to declare their support for democratic government. The military junta has used strong-handed tactics including use of firearms that has seen hundreds of protesters getting killed till date. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar military junta leader to attend ASEAN summit

Opponents of Myanmar's junta announced a National Unity Government on Friday including ousted members of parliament and leaders of anti-coup protests and ethnic minorities, saying their aim was to root out military rule.

Myanmar has been in violent turmoil since a February&nbsp;1 coup that ousted a civilian government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi, which had held power for five years and was starting its second term after a landslide election victory in November.

People have been taking to the streets day after day to demand the restoration of democracy, defying crackdowns by the security forces in which more than 700 people have been killed, according to a monitoring group.

At the same time, political leaders, including ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party, have been trying to organise to show the country and the outside world that they and not the generals are the legitimate political authority.

"Please welcome the people's government," veteran democracy activist Min Ko Naing said in a 10-minute video address announcing the formation of the National Unity Government.

While setting out few positions, Min Ko Naing said the will of the people was the unity government's priority, while acknowledging the scale of the task at hand.

"We're trying to get this out from the roots so we have to sacrifice a lot," he said, referring to the junta.

One of the unity's government's primary objectives will be to win international support and recognition.

The generals justified their take-over by accusing Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), of voter fraud in the November election, though the election commission dismissed their objections.

The military's bloody suppression of the protests has shocked and angered much of the world. International pressure has also been slowly building, particularly from Western governments, though the military has a long record of brushing off what it sees as outside interference.

The unity government released a list of office holders including members of ethnic minorities and protest leaders, underlining the unity of purpose between the pro-democracy movement and autonomy-seeking minority communities, some of whom have battled the central government for decades.

A spokesman for the junta could not be reached for comment.

The unity government's minister of international cooperation, Dr Sasa, who goes by one name, told Reuters in an interview the objective was to end violence, restore democracy and build a "federal democratic union".

"A new day has come for our people, a new era for Myanmar has started," he said.

Federal army

While the politicians were announcing the unity government, other opponents of military rule observed a "silent strike" staying home to mourn those killed or wearing black in small marches in several cities and towns.

"The most silent voice is the loudest," protest leader Ei Thinzar Maung posted on her Facebook page.

Streets in the main city of Yangon were largely deserted, residents said, while black-clad protesters held small rallies in half a dozen cities and towns, media reported.

There were no immediate reports of violence but overnight, two people were shot and killed in the central town of Myingyan, Radio Free Asia reported.

The military has also been rounding up its critics and has published the names of more than 200 people wanted under a law that makes it illegal to encourage mutiny or dereliction of duty in the armed forces.

Two prominent protest organisers were arrested on Thursday along with an actor and singer, both known for speaking out against the coup.

In another show of defiance, a previously unknown group called the Ayeyarwaddy Federal Army said on Facebook it aimed to fight the military to restore an elected government and protect the people and it called for volunteers.

It gave no details about how it aimed to take on the well-equipped and experienced army.

The turmoil has alarmed Myanmar's neighbours in Southeast Asia, who have been trying to encourage talks between the rival sides.

Southeast Asian leaders will meet in Indonesia on April 24 to discuss the situation, Thai and Indonesian media reported.

Junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was due to attend, a Thai broadcaster said, but the Jakarta Post said it had not been confirmed whether the summit would include representatives of the junta or the former government.

Sasa says ASEAN should not invite "murderer-in-chief" Min Aung Hlaing to the summit.

The European Union has agreed to impose sanctions on another 10 individuals linked to the coup and to target two businesses run by the armed forces for the first time in protest at the military takeover, two diplomats said.

Opponents of Myanmar's junta announced a National Unity Government on Friday including ousted members of parliament and leaders of anti-coup protests and ethnic minorities, saying their aim was to root out military rule.

Opponents of Myanmar's junta announced a National Unity Government on Friday including ousted members of parliament and leaders of anti-coup protests and ethnic minorities, saying their aim was to root out military rule. Myanmar has been in violent turmoil since a February 1 coup that ousted a civilian government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi, which had held power for five years and was starting its second term after a landslide election victory in November. People have been taking to the streets day after day to demand the restoration of democracy, defying crackdowns by the security forces in which more than 700 people have been killed, according to a monitoring group. At the same time, political leaders, including ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party, have been trying to organise to show the country and the outside world that they and not the generals are the legitimate political authority. "Please welcome the people's government," veteran democracy activist Min Ko Naing said in a 10-minute video address announcing the formation of the National Unity Government. While setting out few positions, Min Ko Naing said the will of the people was the unity government's priority, while acknowledging the scale of the task at hand. "We're trying to get this out from the roots so we have to sacrifice a lot," he said, referring to the junta. One of the unity's government's primary objectives will be to win international support and recognition. The generals justified their take-over by accusing Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), of voter fraud in the November election, though the election commission dismissed their objections. The military's bloody suppression of the protests has shocked and angered much of the world. International pressure has also been slowly building, particularly from Western governments, though the military has a long record of brushing off what it sees as outside interference. The unity government released a list of office holders including members of ethnic minorities and protest leaders, underlining the unity of purpose between the pro-democracy movement and autonomy-seeking minority communities, some of whom have battled the central government for decades. A spokesman for the junta could not be reached for comment. The unity government's minister of international cooperation, Dr Sasa, who goes by one name, told Reuters in an interview the objective was to end violence, restore democracy and build a "federal democratic union". "A new day has come for our people, a new era for Myanmar has started," he said. Federal army While the politicians were announcing the unity government, other opponents of military rule observed a "silent strike" staying home to mourn those killed or wearing black in small marches in several cities and towns. "The most silent voice is the loudest," protest leader Ei Thinzar Maung posted on her Facebook page. Streets in the main city of Yangon were largely deserted, residents said, while black-clad protesters held small rallies in half a dozen cities and towns, media reported. There were no immediate reports of violence but overnight, two people were shot and killed in the central town of Myingyan, Radio Free Asia reported. The military has also been rounding up its critics and has published the names of more than 200 people wanted under a law that makes it illegal to encourage mutiny or dereliction of duty in the armed forces. Two prominent protest organisers were arrested on Thursday along with an actor and singer, both known for speaking out against the coup. In another show of defiance, a previously unknown group called the Ayeyarwaddy Federal Army said on Facebook it aimed to fight the military to restore an elected government and protect the people and it called for volunteers. It gave no details about how it aimed to take on the well-equipped and experienced army. The turmoil has alarmed Myanmar's neighbours in Southeast Asia, who have been trying to encourage talks between the rival sides. Southeast Asian leaders will meet in Indonesia on April 24 to discuss the situation, Thai and Indonesian media reported. Junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was due to attend, a Thai broadcaster said, but the Jakarta Post said it had not been confirmed whether the summit would include representatives of the junta or the former government. Sasa says ASEAN should not invite "murderer-in-chief" Min Aung Hlaing to the summit. The European Union has agreed to impose sanctions on another 10 individuals linked to the coup and to target two businesses run by the armed forces for the first time in protest at the military takeover, two diplomats said.

Opponents of Myanmar coup announce unity government

Myanmar's military opened fire on protesting healthcare workers Thursday, killing at least one bystander as the demonstrators fled for safety to a nearby mosque.&nbsp;

The country has been in turmoil since the military seized power from civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 01, triggering a massive uprising that the junta has sought to quell using lethal force.&nbsp;

But protesters have continued taking to the streets, this week using the Myanmar New Year holiday of Thingyan as their latest rallying point as the normal festivities have been cancelled.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-security-forces-arrest-prominent-leader-of-campaign-against-coup-377720" hreflang="en">Myanmar security forces arrest prominent leader of campaign against coup</a>

In Myanmar's second-largest city Mandalay, a demonstration by medical workers Thursday turned violent when soldiers opened fire, sending them running to the mosque.&nbsp;

"They were shooting everywhere... they were targeting the Sule mosque compound because people in there were hiding protesters," said an eyewitness.

A 30-year-old man who lived in the compound was shot dead, and at least two others were injured, said a doctor who treated the wounded.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-activists-stage-bloody-protests-against-military-377456" hreflang="en">Myanmar activists stage 'bloody' protests against military</a>

"The man who died was shot from the back and it penetrated through his chest," he told AFP.

A medic who participated in the protest said he saw the arrest of six nurses and doctors during the crackdown.

"We lost contact with some medical team members as well," he told AFP.&nbsp;

Myanmar's healthcare workers have been at the forefront of a nationwide civil disobedience movement, refusing to return to work under a military regime. Their absence has left many of the country's hospitals unstaffed during the pandemic.&nbsp;

Civil servants from other sectors have followed suit, bringing the operation of the country's banks, schools, railway operations, and businesses to a halt.&nbsp;

The junta has tried to force people back to work, and on Thursday, state-run media reported that at least 20 doctors participating in the movement will be charged for attempting to "deteriorate peace and stability".

So far, more than 700 civilians have been killed in anti-coup unrest, according to a local monitoring group, and more than 3,000 have been detained.&nbsp;

A well-known protest leader was arrested Thursday in central Monywa city — he was leading a demonstration by motorbike when a car rammed into him.&nbsp;

"Wai Moe Naing was arrested... I saw his motorcycle hit by the car from afar," fellow activist Hein Zaw Win told AFP, vowing to "continue our protests until we win."

A quiet Thingyan

The main boulevards of commercial hub Yangon were empty Thursday -- a far cry from the Thingyan celebrations of previous years that would see revellers dancing on the streets while being hosed down.&nbsp;

This year, public water fights have been cancelled.

"We may feel depressed because many of our people are killed every day... but we never feel that we will lose this battle," a Yangon resident told AFP, adding that he and his family were marking the new year at home.&nbsp;

"Thingyan is just like any other day of revolution."

The US embassy in Yangon on Thursday dedicated a post to the "fallen heroes in Myanmar", laying petals of the yellow Padauk flowers — the symbol of Thingyan — around a make-shift plaque.

Myanmar's military opened fire on protesting healthcare workers Thursday, killing at least one bystander as the demonstrators fled for safety to a nearby mosque.

Myanmar's military opened fire on protesting healthcare workers Thursday, killing at least one bystander as the demonstrators fled for safety to a nearby mosque. The country has been in turmoil since the military seized power from civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 01, triggering a massive uprising that the junta has sought to quell using lethal force. But protesters have continued taking to the streets, this week using the Myanmar New Year holiday of Thingyan as their latest rallying point as the normal festivities have been cancelled. Also read | Myanmar security forces arrest prominent leader of campaign against coup In Myanmar's second-largest city Mandalay, a demonstration by medical workers Thursday turned violent when soldiers opened fire, sending them running to the mosque. "They were shooting everywhere... they were targeting the Sule mosque compound because people in there were hiding protesters," said an eyewitness. A 30-year-old man who lived in the compound was shot dead, and at least two others were injured, said a doctor who treated the wounded. Also read | Myanmar activists stage 'bloody' protests against military "The man who died was shot from the back and it penetrated through his chest," he told AFP. A medic who participated in the protest said he saw the arrest of six nurses and doctors during the crackdown. "We lost contact with some medical team members as well," he told AFP. Myanmar's healthcare workers have been at the forefront of a nationwide civil disobedience movement, refusing to return to work under a military regime. Their absence has left many of the country's hospitals unstaffed during the pandemic. Civil servants from other sectors have followed suit, bringing the operation of the country's banks, schools, railway operations, and businesses to a halt. The junta has tried to force people back to work, and on Thursday, state-run media reported that at least 20 doctors participating in the movement will be charged for attempting to "deteriorate peace and stability". So far, more than 700 civilians have been killed in anti-coup unrest, according to a local monitoring group, and more than 3,000 have been detained. A well-known protest leader was arrested Thursday in central Monywa city — he was leading a demonstration by motorbike when a car rammed into him. "Wai Moe Naing was arrested... I saw his motorcycle hit by the car from afar," fellow activist Hein Zaw Win told AFP, vowing to "continue our protests until we win." A quiet Thingyan The main boulevards of commercial hub Yangon were empty Thursday -- a far cry from the Thingyan celebrations of previous years that would see revellers dancing on the streets while being hosed down. This year, public water fights have been cancelled. "We may feel depressed because many of our people are killed every day... but we never feel that we will lose this battle," a Yangon resident told AFP, adding that he and his family were marking the new year at home. "Thingyan is just like any other day of revolution." The US embassy in Yangon on Thursday dedicated a post to the "fallen heroes in Myanmar", laying petals of the yellow Padauk flowers — the symbol of Thingyan — around a make-shift plaque.

Myanmar military shoots at protesting medical workers

Myanmar&nbsp;security forces arrested on Thursday one of the main leaders of the campaign against military rule after driving into him with a car as he led a motorbike protest rally, friends and colleagues said.

Opponents of a February&nbsp;1 coup that ousted an elected government led by Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi have kept up their campaign against the military this traditional New Year week with marches and various other displays of resistance.

"Our brother Wai Moe Naing was arrested. His motorbike was hit by a private car of the police," Win Zaw Khiang, a member of a protest organising group, said on social media.

Wai Moe Naing, a 25-year-old Muslim, has emerged as one of the most high-profile leaders of opposition to the coup.

Reuters was not able to contact Wai Moe Naing by telephone. Earlier, Reuters spoke to him as he set off to lead the rally in the central town of Monywa, about 700 km (435 miles) north of the main city of Yangon.

Video posted on social media showed an oncoming car swerving into a group of motorbikes. Reuters was not able to verify the footage.

A spokesman for the junta could not be reached for comment.

Monywa has been one of main centres of the pro-democracy campaign with big rallies day after day and repeated crackdowns by the security forces.

Some colleagues said they feared for Wai Moe Naing's safety in detention.

"We have to continue the fight by doubling our energy for Ko Wai Moe Naing, for the truth, for the present and future of the country," another leader, Tayzar San, said on Facebook.

Earlier on Thursday, soldiers opened fire in the city of Mandalay to disperse protesting medical workers and one man was killed and several wounded when security forces fired in a nearby neighbourhood, media reported.

Medical workers, some of whom have been at the forefront of the campaign against the coup, gathered early in the second city but troops soon arrived, opening fire and detaining some people, witnesses and the BBC's Burmese-language service said.

The BBC and other news outlets did not have details of casualties or arrests at the protest but Khit Thit media said a man was shot and killed in the compound of a nearby mosque as security forces broke up the medics' protest.

"There was no protest here. The soldiers came and seemed to be searching for someone," a resident of the neighbourhood where the mosque is located, who declined to be identified, said by telephone.

Clashes

The five-day New Year holiday, known as Thingyan, began on Tuesday but pro-democracy activists cancelled the usual festivities to focus on their opposition to the generals.

Hundreds of people joined protests marches and motorbike rallies in several towns, according to pictures posted by media outlets.

The coup has plunged&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;into crisis after 10 years of tentative steps toward democracy, with, in addition to the daily protests, strikes by workers in many sectors that have brought the economy to a standstill.

An activist group, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, says the security forces have killed 715 protesters since the ousting of Suu Kyi's government.

The military says the protests are dwindling but the state-run Global New Light of&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;newspaper reported that "rioters" had been committing an increasing number of "terrorist acts", attacking security forces with grenades, planting "homemade mines" and starting fires.

The coup has also led to an increase in clashes between the military and ethnic minority forces fighting for autonomy in border regions, in particular in the east and north, where the military has been launching air strikes.

Government forces had suffered heavy casualties in an assault on ethnic Kachin insurgents in the north this week, the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Now and Democratic Voice of Burma media groups reported.

Myanmar security forces arrested on Thursday one of the main leaders of the campaign against military rule after driving into him with a car as he led a motorbike protest rally, friends and colleagues said.

Myanmar security forces arrested on Thursday one of the main leaders of the campaign against military rule after driving into him with a car as he led a motorbike protest rally, friends and colleagues said. Opponents of a February 1 coup that ousted an elected government led by Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi have kept up their campaign against the military this traditional New Year week with marches and various other displays of resistance. "Our brother Wai Moe Naing was arrested. His motorbike was hit by a private car of the police," Win Zaw Khiang, a member of a protest organising group, said on social media. Wai Moe Naing, a 25-year-old Muslim, has emerged as one of the most high-profile leaders of opposition to the coup. Reuters was not able to contact Wai Moe Naing by telephone. Earlier, Reuters spoke to him as he set off to lead the rally in the central town of Monywa, about 700 km (435 miles) north of the main city of Yangon. Video posted on social media showed an oncoming car swerving into a group of motorbikes. Reuters was not able to verify the footage. A spokesman for the junta could not be reached for comment. Monywa has been one of main centres of the pro-democracy campaign with big rallies day after day and repeated crackdowns by the security forces. Some colleagues said they feared for Wai Moe Naing's safety in detention. "We have to continue the fight by doubling our energy for Ko Wai Moe Naing, for the truth, for the present and future of the country," another leader, Tayzar San, said on Facebook. Earlier on Thursday, soldiers opened fire in the city of Mandalay to disperse protesting medical workers and one man was killed and several wounded when security forces fired in a nearby neighbourhood, media reported. Medical workers, some of whom have been at the forefront of the campaign against the coup, gathered early in the second city but troops soon arrived, opening fire and detaining some people, witnesses and the BBC's Burmese-language service said. The BBC and other news outlets did not have details of casualties or arrests at the protest but Khit Thit media said a man was shot and killed in the compound of a nearby mosque as security forces broke up the medics' protest. "There was no protest here. The soldiers came and seemed to be searching for someone," a resident of the neighbourhood where the mosque is located, who declined to be identified, said by telephone. Clashes The five-day New Year holiday, known as Thingyan, began on Tuesday but pro-democracy activists cancelled the usual festivities to focus on their opposition to the generals. Hundreds of people joined protests marches and motorbike rallies in several towns, according to pictures posted by media outlets. The coup has plunged Myanmar into crisis after 10 years of tentative steps toward democracy, with, in addition to the daily protests, strikes by workers in many sectors that have brought the economy to a standstill. An activist group, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, says the security forces have killed 715 protesters since the ousting of Suu Kyi's government. The military says the protests are dwindling but the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported that "rioters" had been committing an increasing number of "terrorist acts", attacking security forces with grenades, planting "homemade mines" and starting fires. The coup has also led to an increase in clashes between the military and ethnic minority forces fighting for autonomy in border regions, in particular in the east and north, where the military has been launching air strikes. Government forces had suffered heavy casualties in an assault on ethnic Kachin insurgents in the north this week, the Myanmar Now and Democratic Voice of Burma media groups reported.

Myanmar security forces arrest prominent leader of campaign against coup

European Union has now taken on China and Russia over the crisis in Myanmar. The European Union has accused China And Russia of hampering a united international response to Myanmar's military coup and the resulting civilian death.

News Alert: EU Foreign Policy Chief Borrell slams China, Russia

Aung San Suu Kyi, head of Myanmar's civilian government that was toppled in a military coup, asked a court on Monday to be allowed to meet her lawyers in person. She was appearing at the court hearing via a video link. Myanmar's military junta has slapped charges against her that could see her jailed for years.

So far, Aung San Suu Kyi has only been able to talk with her lawyers via video link.

"Mother Suu also said it had been a long time since she requested to meet with the legal team in person," lawyer Min Min Soe told Reuters when asked if her legal team had been able to talk to her about the protests in which more than 700 people have been killed.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/more-than-700-civilians-killed-by-myanmar-junta-since-coup-377032">More than 700 civilians killed by Myanmar junta since coup</a>

Her other lawyer, Khin Maung Zaw, said Suu Kyi looked healthy as she repeated a request to meet her lawyers face to face. The next hearing is on April 26.

An additional complaint against her was filed on Monday related to coronavirus rules, Khin said.

Myanmar military toppled Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government in a coup on February 1. Myanmar has seen fierce pro-democracy protests ever since. Armed forces have responded with brutal force that has seen protesters getting killed in figures ranging hundreds.

(With inputs from agencies)

Aung San Suu Kyi, head of Myanmar's civilian government that was toppled in a military coup, asked a court on Monday to be allowed to meet her lawyers in person.

Aung San Suu Kyi, head of Myanmar's civilian government that was toppled in a military coup, asked a court on Monday to be allowed to meet her lawyers in person. She was appearing at the court hearing via a video link. Myanmar's military junta has slapped charges against her that could see her jailed for years. So far, Aung San Suu Kyi has only been able to talk with her lawyers via video link. "Mother Suu also said it had been a long time since she requested to meet with the legal team in person," lawyer Min Min Soe told Reuters when asked if her legal team had been able to talk to her about the protests in which more than 700 people have been killed. Also Read | More than 700 civilians killed by Myanmar junta since coup Her other lawyer, Khin Maung Zaw, said Suu Kyi looked healthy as she repeated a request to meet her lawyers face to face. The next hearing is on April 26. An additional complaint against her was filed on Monday related to coronavirus rules, Khin said. Myanmar military toppled Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government in a coup on February 1. Myanmar has seen fierce pro-democracy protests ever since. Armed forces have responded with brutal force that has seen protesters getting killed in figures ranging hundreds. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi demands meeting with her lawyers in person

As a response to Myanmar military junta's internet shutdown, the youth in the country is running an underground newsletter that is being secretly distributed across communities. As per monitoring group NetBlocks, there have been internet outages in coup-hit Myanmar.

Thirty-year-old Lynn Thant, not his real name, started the underground newsletter and gave it the edgy name Molotov to appeal to young people.

"This is our response to those who slow down the flow of information -- and that's a threat to us," he told AFP.

Thousands of readers across the country are downloading the PDF version of the publication and printing out and distributing physical copies across neighbourhoods in Yangon and Mandalay and other areas.

Lynn Thant is conscious of the risks involved.

Local monitoring group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners has said that Police and soldiers have arrested more than 3,000 people since the coup.

Two hundred high-profile celebrities including actors, singers and social media influencers are on an arrest warrant list and could face three years' jail if convicted of spreading dissent against the military.

"If we write revolutionary literature and distribute it like this, we could end up in prison for many years," he said, his face concealed by one of the Guy Fawkes masks popularised by the dystopian movie "V for Vendetta".

"Even if one of us is arrested, there are young people who will carry on producing the Molotov newsletter. Even if one of us is killed, someone else will come up when someone falls. This Molotov newsletter will continue to exist until the revolution is successful."

Thant said the publication had a reach of more than 30,000 people on Facebook so far and the main audience was Generation Z activists.

(With AFP inputs)

As a response to Myanmar military junta's internet shutdown, the youth in the country is running an underground newsletter that is being secretly distributed across communities.

As a response to Myanmar military junta's internet shutdown, the youth in the country is running an underground newsletter that is being secretly distributed across communities. As per monitoring group NetBlocks, there have been internet outages in coup-hit Myanmar. Thirty-year-old Lynn Thant, not his real name, started the underground newsletter and gave it the edgy name Molotov to appeal to young people. "This is our response to those who slow down the flow of information -- and that's a threat to us," he told AFP. Thousands of readers across the country are downloading the PDF version of the publication and printing out and distributing physical copies across neighbourhoods in Yangon and Mandalay and other areas. Lynn Thant is conscious of the risks involved. Local monitoring group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners has said that Police and soldiers have arrested more than 3,000 people since the coup. Two hundred high-profile celebrities including actors, singers and social media influencers are on an arrest warrant list and could face three years' jail if convicted of spreading dissent against the military. "If we write revolutionary literature and distribute it like this, we could end up in prison for many years," he said, his face concealed by one of the Guy Fawkes masks popularised by the dystopian movie "V for Vendetta". "Even if one of us is arrested, there are young people who will carry on producing the Molotov newsletter. Even if one of us is killed, someone else will come up when someone falls. This Molotov newsletter will continue to exist until the revolution is successful." Thant said the publication had a reach of more than 30,000 people on Facebook so far and the main audience was Generation Z activists. (With AFP inputs)

Myanmar youths circulate underground newsletter to fight net outage

Doctors and medical workers in Myanmar have urged for help as they believe the military personnel specifically target civilians to lure the doctors into their trap. Meanwhile, Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau, has warned Canada against climate change.

Click on headlines to read more

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Doctors have also revealed that the military used to shoot at passing-by ambulances, raid hospitals, medical centres and violently attack medical personnel.

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"While we are fighting to end the pandemic... we must prepare for what comes after," he said during his speech.

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Doctors and medical workers in Myanmar have urged for help as they believe the military personnel specifically target civilians to lure the doctors into their trap.

Doctors and medical workers in Myanmar have urged for help as they believe the military personnel specifically target civilians to lure the doctors into their trap. Meanwhile, Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau, has warned Canada against climate change. Click on headlines to read more Doctors become Myanmar military's targets for helping injured locals Doctors have also revealed that the military used to shoot at passing-by ambulances, raid hospitals, medical centres and violently attack medical personnel. 'Prepare for what's after': Justin Trudeau warns Canada against climate change "While we are fighting to end the pandemic... we must prepare for what comes after," he said during his speech. China: 21 workers trapped in coal mine after flooding in Xinjiang The miners were trapped in the Fengyuan coal mine in the Hutubi County on Saturday evening. They were carrying out upgrading works at the site. India-China LAC Standoff: Both sides discuss further disengagement in Ladakh UK mourns the loss of Prince Philip

Morning news brief: Myanmar doctors targeted, Trudeau's warning, and more

Doctors and medical workers in Myanmar have urged for help as they believe the military personnel specifically target civilians to lure the doctors into their trap.

In a recent incident, a man and his wife were shot by the Myanmar military and as the doctors readied themselves to help the couple seeking help on the street, the locals warned that soldiers might be waiting nearby.

"I felt like they were ambushing us," a rescuer was quoted by The Guardian. "I think she would have survived if we were able to pick her up as soon as it happened."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-security-forces-use-rifle-grenades-kill-80-monitoring-group-376701" hreflang="en">Myanmar security forces use rifle grenades, kill 80: Monitoring group</a>

The doctors had to, reportedly, wait for almost an hour to see the soldiers finally retrieving.

Doctors in Myanmar have told the Observer that they are routinely targeted by the military in violent manners, and the military purposely tries to prevent them from treating victims of the deadly clashes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/10-myanmar-policemen-killed-in-attack-by-ethnic-armies-opposed-to-junta-report-376635" hreflang="en">10 Myanmar policemen killed in attack by ethnic armies opposed to junta: Report&nbsp;</a>

They have also revealed that the military used to shoot at passing-by ambulances, raid hospitals, medical centres and violently attack medical personnel too, which sometimes also led to their death.

Government doctors are also being targeted and prosecuted for participating in anti-coup protests. Some doctors have also been picked up from their medical centres during their night shifts and are then returned back to their house after questioning.

"If you are detained today, your body will be returned tomorrow with torture marks or something like that," a Yangon-based doctor told the Guardian.

Doctors and medical workers in Myanmar have urged for help as they believe the military personnel specifically target civilians to lure the doctors into their trap. In a recent incident, a man and his wife were shot by the Myanmar military and as the doctors readied themselves to help the couple seeking help on the street, the locals warned that soldiers might be waiting nearby. "I felt like they were ambushing us," a rescuer was quoted by The Guardian. "I think she would have survived if we were able to pick her up as soon as it happened." Also read | Myanmar security forces use rifle grenades, kill 80: Monitoring group The doctors had to, reportedly, wait for almost an hour to see the soldiers finally retrieving. Doctors in Myanmar have told the Observer that they are routinely targeted by the military in violent manners, and the military purposely tries to prevent them from treating victims of the deadly clashes. Also read | 10 Myanmar policemen killed in attack by ethnic armies opposed to junta: Report They have also revealed that the military used to shoot at passing-by ambulances, raid hospitals, medical centres and violently attack medical personnel too, which sometimes also led to their death. Government doctors are also being targeted and prosecuted for participating in anti-coup protests. Some doctors have also been picked up from their medical centres during their night shifts and are then returned back to their house after questioning. "If you are detained today, your body will be returned tomorrow with torture marks or something like that," a Yangon-based doctor told the Guardian.

Doctors become Myanmar military's targets for helping injured locals

A security guard was wounded in a bomb blast outside a military-owned bank in Myanmar's second-biggest city Sunday morning, as the civilian death toll from the junta's brutal crackdown on dissent topped more than 700 at the weekend.

The country has been in turmoil since the military removed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1.

Myawaddy Bank's biggest branch in Mandalay was targeted on Sunday morning and a security guard was injured in the explosion, according to local media.

There was a heavy security presence in the area following the blast.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/doctors-become-myanmar-militarys-targets-for-helping-injured-locals-376744">Doctors become Myanmar military's targets for helping injured locals</a>

The bank is one of scores of military-controlled businesses that have faced boycott pressure since the coup, with many customers demanding to withdraw their savings.

There has been heavy bloodletting in recent days.

On Saturday a local monitoring group said security forces gunned down and killed 82 anti-coup protesters the previous day in the city of Bago, 65 kilometres (40 miles) northeast of Yangon.

AFP-verified footage shot early Friday showed protesters hiding behind sandbag barricades wielding homemade rifles, as explosions were heard in the background.

The United Nations office in Myanmar tweeted late Saturday that it was following the bloodshed in Bago, where it said medical treatment had been denied to the injured.

Overall the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners has verified 701 civilian deaths since the putsch.

The junta has a far lower number: 248, according to a spokesman Friday.

Despite the bloodshed, protesters continued to rally in parts of the country.

University students and their professors marched through the streets of Mandalay and the city of Meiktila on Sunday morning, according to local media.

Some carried stems of Eugenia flowers -- a symbol of victory.

In Yangon, protesters carried a banner that read: "We will get victory, we will win."

Protesters there, as well as in the city of Monywa, took to writing political messages on leaves including "we must win" and calling for UN intervention to prevent further bloodshed.

Across the country people have been urged to participate in a torchlight protest in their neighbourhoods after sunset on Sunday night.

Death penalty returns

Unrest also erupted Saturday in the northwestern town of Tamu, near the Indian border, where protesters fought back when soldiers tried to tear down makeshift barricades erected to block security forces.

Two civilians were killed when soldiers started randomly shooting, said a local, with protesters retaliating by throwing a bomb that exploded and overturned a military truck, killing more than a dozen soldiers.

"Some are in hiding -- we are worried that our people will be hurt as a reprisal," the resident told AFP.

The mounting bloodshed has also angered some of Myanmar's 20 or so armed ethnic groups, who control swathes of territory mostly in border regions.

There were clashes Saturday in northern Shan state, as the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic rebel group, mounted a pre-dawn attack on a police station, said the TNLA's Brigadier General Tar Bhone Kyaw, who declined to give details.

Local media reported more than a dozen police officers were killed, while the TNLA said the military retaliated with air strikes on its troops, killing at least one rebel soldier.

State-run television reported in the evening that "terrorist armed groups" attacked the police station with heavy weaponry and set it on fire.

Meanwhile, state media reported Friday that 19 people had been sentenced to death for robbery and murder by a military court, with 17 of them tried in absentia.

They were arrested in Yangon's North Okkalapa township -- one of six areas in the commercial hub currently under martial law, meaning anybody arrested there is tried by a military tribunal.

Myanmar has long had the death penalty, but has not carried out an execution in more than 30 years, said Phil Robertson, deputy director of the Asia division for Human Rights Watch.

"It indicates the military are prepared to go back to a time when Myanmar was executing people," he said.

A security guard was wounded in a bomb blast outside a military-owned bank in Myanmar's second-biggest city Sunday morning, as the civilian death toll from the junta's brutal crackdown on dissent topped more than 700 at the weekend.

A security guard was wounded in a bomb blast outside a military-owned bank in Myanmar's second-biggest city Sunday morning, as the civilian death toll from the junta's brutal crackdown on dissent topped more than 700 at the weekend. The country has been in turmoil since the military removed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1. Myawaddy Bank's biggest branch in Mandalay was targeted on Sunday morning and a security guard was injured in the explosion, according to local media. There was a heavy security presence in the area following the blast. Also read | Doctors become Myanmar military's targets for helping injured locals The bank is one of scores of military-controlled businesses that have faced boycott pressure since the coup, with many customers demanding to withdraw their savings. There has been heavy bloodletting in recent days. On Saturday a local monitoring group said security forces gunned down and killed 82 anti-coup protesters the previous day in the city of Bago, 65 kilometres (40 miles) northeast of Yangon. AFP-verified footage shot early Friday showed protesters hiding behind sandbag barricades wielding homemade rifles, as explosions were heard in the background. The United Nations office in Myanmar tweeted late Saturday that it was following the bloodshed in Bago, where it said medical treatment had been denied to the injured. Overall the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners has verified 701 civilian deaths since the putsch. The junta has a far lower number: 248, according to a spokesman Friday. Despite the bloodshed, protesters continued to rally in parts of the country. University students and their professors marched through the streets of Mandalay and the city of Meiktila on Sunday morning, according to local media. Some carried stems of Eugenia flowers -- a symbol of victory. In Yangon, protesters carried a banner that read: "We will get victory, we will win." Protesters there, as well as in the city of Monywa, took to writing political messages on leaves including "we must win" and calling for UN intervention to prevent further bloodshed. Across the country people have been urged to participate in a torchlight protest in their neighbourhoods after sunset on Sunday night. Death penalty returns Unrest also erupted Saturday in the northwestern town of Tamu, near the Indian border, where protesters fought back when soldiers tried to tear down makeshift barricades erected to block security forces. Two civilians were killed when soldiers started randomly shooting, said a local, with protesters retaliating by throwing a bomb that exploded and overturned a military truck, killing more than a dozen soldiers. "Some are in hiding -- we are worried that our people will be hurt as a reprisal," the resident told AFP. The mounting bloodshed has also angered some of Myanmar's 20 or so armed ethnic groups, who control swathes of territory mostly in border regions. There were clashes Saturday in northern Shan state, as the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic rebel group, mounted a pre-dawn attack on a police station, said the TNLA's Brigadier General Tar Bhone Kyaw, who declined to give details. Local media reported more than a dozen police officers were killed, while the TNLA said the military retaliated with air strikes on its troops, killing at least one rebel soldier. State-run television reported in the evening that "terrorist armed groups" attacked the police station with heavy weaponry and set it on fire. Meanwhile, state media reported Friday that 19 people had been sentenced to death for robbery and murder by a military court, with 17 of them tried in absentia. They were arrested in Yangon's North Okkalapa township -- one of six areas in the commercial hub currently under martial law, meaning anybody arrested there is tried by a military tribunal. Myanmar has long had the death penalty, but has not carried out an execution in more than 30 years, said Phil Robertson, deputy director of the Asia division for Human Rights Watch. "It indicates the military are prepared to go back to a time when Myanmar was executing people," he said.

Myanmar's post-coup civilian death toll climbs past 700

Myanmar's security forces on Friday fired rifle grenades at protesters and killed more than 80 people as per a monitoring group. As per the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) monitoring group and a domestic news outlet, the horrific killings took place near Yangon.

As per witnesses, the security forces piled up the bodies in Zeyar Muni pagoda compound in the town of Bogo, 90 km northeast of Yangon.

The AAPP and Myanmar Now news outlet said on Saturday that 82 people were killed during the protest against the February 1 military coup in the country. Firing started before dawn on Friday and continued into the afternoon, Myanmar Now said.

"It is like genocide," the news outlet quoted a protest organiser called Ye Htut as saying. "They are shooting at every shadow."

As per social media posts, many residents of the town have fled.

AAPP, which has maintained a daily tally of protesters killed and arrested by security forces, has previously said 618 people have died since the coup.

That figure is disputed by the military, which says it staged the coup because a November election won by Aung San Suu Kyi's party was rigged. The election commission has dismissed the assertion.

Junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun told a news conference on Friday in the capital, Naypyitaw, that the military had recorded 248 civilian deaths and 16 police deaths, and said no automatic weapons had been used by security forces.

Myanmar's security forces on Friday fired rifle grenades at protesters and killed more than 80 people as per a monitoring group. As per the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) monitoring group and a domestic news outlet, the horrific killings took place near Yangon.

Myanmar's security forces on Friday fired rifle grenades at protesters and killed more than 80 people as per a monitoring group. As per the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) monitoring group and a domestic news outlet, the horrific killings took place near Yangon. As per witnesses, the security forces piled up the bodies in Zeyar Muni pagoda compound in the town of Bogo, 90 km northeast of Yangon. The AAPP and Myanmar Now news outlet said on Saturday that 82 people were killed during the protest against the February 1 military coup in the country. Firing started before dawn on Friday and continued into the afternoon, Myanmar Now said. "It is like genocide," the news outlet quoted a protest organiser called Ye Htut as saying. "They are shooting at every shadow." As per social media posts, many residents of the town have fled. AAPP, which has maintained a daily tally of protesters killed and arrested by security forces, has previously said 618 people have died since the coup. That figure is disputed by the military, which says it staged the coup because a November election won by Aung San Suu Kyi's party was rigged. The election commission has dismissed the assertion. Junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun told a news conference on Friday in the capital, Naypyitaw, that the military had recorded 248 civilian deaths and 16 police deaths, and said no automatic weapons had been used by security forces.

Myanmar security forces use rifle grenades, kill 80: Monitoring group

US president&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;initial actions to address the increasing gun violence within the nation. The EU chief was left without a chair at women's rights discussion, which created a verbal spat between Turkey, EU and even Italy.

Click on headlines to read more

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The Defense official also said the Navy is continuing to fly reconnaissance aircraft in international airspace over the Black Sea to monitor Russian naval activity and any troops movements in Crimea.

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The European Union’s first female chief, Ursula von der Leyen, was left speechless after the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, the former Belgian prime minister and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took the chairs, one of which was supposed to be Ursula’s.

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A&nbsp;senior World Health Organization has warned that the success of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a>&nbsp;programme is not enough to protect the country from another wave of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

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US president Joe Biden introduced initial actions to address the increasing gun violence within the nation. The EU chief was left without a chair at women's rights discussion, which created a verbal spat between Turkey, EU and even Italy.

US president Joe Biden introduced initial actions to address the increasing gun violence within the nation. The EU chief was left without a chair at women's rights discussion, which created a verbal spat between Turkey, EU and even Italy. Click on headlines to read more Russia-Ukraine crisis: US weighing sending warships to Black Sea amid tensions The Defense official also said the Navy is continuing to fly reconnaissance aircraft in international airspace over the Black Sea to monitor Russian naval activity and any troops movements in Crimea. 'Dictator': Turkey and Italy get into spat after EU chief left without chair The European Union’s first female chief, Ursula von der Leyen, was left speechless after the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, the former Belgian prime minister and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took the chairs, one of which was supposed to be Ursula’s. UK at risk of facing another wave of coronavirus despite vaccines: WHO A senior World Health Organization has warned that the success of the vaccine programme is not enough to protect the country from another wave of coronavirus. US blacklists Myanmar state-owned gems enterprise US President Joe Biden introduces limited gun control measures

Morning news brief: Italy calls Turkey leader a 'dictator', UK cases may rise, and more

Myanmar's Ambassador to Britain was fired and locked out of his embassy after his comments against the military coup. London reluctantly admitted the junta's decision to strip the envoy of his title. WION's Palki tells you the story of Myanmar's embassy coup.

Gravitas: Myanmar's UK envoy locked out of embassy

Britain on Thursday condemned "bullying" by the Myanmar junta after the country's ambassador to London was ousted in an extraordinary diplomatic coup after calling for the release of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Diplomats loyal to the Myanmar military authorities seized control of the embassy on Wednesday, leaving ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn locked out in the street.

The ambassador said the defence attache had taken over the mission in "a kind of coup", two months after the military seized power in Myanmar.

Daily protests demanding a return of democracy have rocked the country and brought a brutal response from the armed forces, with almost 600 civilians killed according to a local monitoring group.

The coup prompted several high-profile diplomatic defections, including the country's ambassador to the United Nations.

The junta recalled Kyaw Zwar Minn last month after he issued a statement urging them to release Suu Kyi and deposed civilian President Win Myint.&nbsp;

British foreign minister Dominic Raab tweeted his support for the ambassador.

"We condemn the bullying actions of the Myanmar military regime in London yesterday, and I pay tribute to Kyaw Zwar Minn for his courage," Raab wrote.&nbsp;

"The UK continues to call for an end to the coup and the appalling violence, and a swift restoration of democracy."

Protesters gathered outside the mission on Wednesday evening with the ousted ambassador, who told the Daily Telegraph that "when I left the embassy, they stormed inside the embassy and took it."

"They said they received instruction from the capital, so they are not going to let me in," he added, calling on the British government to intervene.

Asked who had taken over, he replied: "Defence attache, they occupy my embassy".

According to The Times newspaper, the ambassador said the defence attache had sought to install his former deputy, as charge d'affaires.

AFP has tried to contact Myanmar's military authorities for comment on the incident, but has not yet received a response.

Heartthrob actor held

Myanmar's security forces have struggled to quell protests and a civil disobedience movement aimed at stopping the military from running the country.

They have used rubber bullets and live rounds to break up rallies and used night raids to arrest suspected dissidents.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) says at least 598 civilians have been killed and nearly 2,900 detained.

AAPP said that 12 people were killed on Wednesday alone.

As part of its efforts to suppress the movement, the junta has issued a wanted notice for some 120 celebrities accused of fanning the protests by lending their support.

On Thursday, the military arrested leading actor, model and heartthrob Paing Takhon in a dawn raid at his mother's home in Yangon.

The 24-year-old -- a star in both Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand -- has been active in the protest movement both in person at rallies and through his massive social media following.

In February, he posted pictures of himself in a white tracksuit with a megaphone, hard hat and a white fluffy dog strapped to his chest at a protest.

UN meeting

International powers have voiced anger and dismay at the junta's brutal approach, but the UN Security Council has stopped short of considering sanctions, with both China and Russia against the move.

A group representing the ousted civilian government on Wednesday began talks with UN investigators, saying it had gathered more than 270,000 pieces of evidence showing rights abuses by the junta.

A lawyer for the Committee for Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) -- a group of MPs from Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party -- met the investigators to discuss alleged atrocities.

The CRPH says it has evidence of more than 540 extrajudicial executions and 10 deaths of prisoners in custody as well as torture and illegal detentions.

The military has defended seizing power, pointing to allegations of voting fraud in the November election which Suu Kyi's party won comfortably, and says it is responding proportionately to the demonstrations.

Junta chief General Min Aung Hlaing accused the protesters of wanting to "destroy the country" and said only 248 protesters had been killed, along with 16 police officers.

Britain on Thursday condemned "bullying" by the Myanmar junta after the country's ambassador to London was ousted in an extraordinary diplomatic coup after calling for the release of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Britain on Thursday condemned "bullying" by the Myanmar junta after the country's ambassador to London was ousted in an extraordinary diplomatic coup after calling for the release of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Diplomats loyal to the Myanmar military authorities seized control of the embassy on Wednesday, leaving ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn locked out in the street. The ambassador said the defence attache had taken over the mission in "a kind of coup", two months after the military seized power in Myanmar. Daily protests demanding a return of democracy have rocked the country and brought a brutal response from the armed forces, with almost 600 civilians killed according to a local monitoring group. The coup prompted several high-profile diplomatic defections, including the country's ambassador to the United Nations. The junta recalled Kyaw Zwar Minn last month after he issued a statement urging them to release Suu Kyi and deposed civilian President Win Myint. British foreign minister Dominic Raab tweeted his support for the ambassador. "We condemn the bullying actions of the Myanmar military regime in London yesterday, and I pay tribute to Kyaw Zwar Minn for his courage," Raab wrote. "The UK continues to call for an end to the coup and the appalling violence, and a swift restoration of democracy." Protesters gathered outside the mission on Wednesday evening with the ousted ambassador, who told the Daily Telegraph that "when I left the embassy, they stormed inside the embassy and took it." "They said they received instruction from the capital, so they are not going to let me in," he added, calling on the British government to intervene. Asked who had taken over, he replied: "Defence attache, they occupy my embassy". According to The Times newspaper, the ambassador said the defence attache had sought to install his former deputy, as charge d'affaires. AFP has tried to contact Myanmar's military authorities for comment on the incident, but has not yet received a response. Heartthrob actor held Myanmar's security forces have struggled to quell protests and a civil disobedience movement aimed at stopping the military from running the country. They have used rubber bullets and live rounds to break up rallies and used night raids to arrest suspected dissidents. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) says at least 598 civilians have been killed and nearly 2,900 detained. AAPP said that 12 people were killed on Wednesday alone. As part of its efforts to suppress the movement, the junta has issued a wanted notice for some 120 celebrities accused of fanning the protests by lending their support. On Thursday, the military arrested leading actor, model and heartthrob Paing Takhon in a dawn raid at his mother's home in Yangon. The 24-year-old -- a star in both Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand -- has been active in the protest movement both in person at rallies and through his massive social media following. In February, he posted pictures of himself in a white tracksuit with a megaphone, hard hat and a white fluffy dog strapped to his chest at a protest. UN meeting International powers have voiced anger and dismay at the junta's brutal approach, but the UN Security Council has stopped short of considering sanctions, with both China and Russia against the move. A group representing the ousted civilian government on Wednesday began talks with UN investigators, saying it had gathered more than 270,000 pieces of evidence showing rights abuses by the junta. A lawyer for the Committee for Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) -- a group of MPs from Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party -- met the investigators to discuss alleged atrocities. The CRPH says it has evidence of more than 540 extrajudicial executions and 10 deaths of prisoners in custody as well as torture and illegal detentions. The military has defended seizing power, pointing to allegations of voting fraud in the November election which Suu Kyi's party won comfortably, and says it is responding proportionately to the demonstrations. Junta chief General Min Aung Hlaing accused the protesters of wanting to "destroy the country" and said only 248 protesters had been killed, along with 16 police officers.

Britain slams 'bullying' Myanmar over London embassy standoff

After China sent&nbsp;more fighter jets into Taiwan's air defense zone, the US has warned China over&nbsp;increasingly aggressive moves against Taiwan, the&nbsp;Philippines. Meanwhile,&nbsp;US president&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;has also decided to take action against the increasing gun violence.

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After China sent more fighter jets into Taiwan's air defense zone, the US has warned China over increasingly aggressive moves against Taiwan, the Philippines. Meanwhile, US president Joe Biden has also decided to take action against the increasing gun violence.

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Myanmar’s ambassador to the UK Kyaw Zwar Minn has been locked out of its embassy in central London in what he called an "unacceptable" move following the military coup in his home country.&nbsp;

Protesters have left flowers and posters outside the embassy to commemorate the civilian victims of the coup.

Diplomats loyal to Myanmar's junta have seized the country's embassy in London, leaving the ambassador locked out in the street after he called for the release of ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmars-uk-ambassador-locked-out-of-london-embassy-376086/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The ambassador, Kyaw Zwar Minn, said the defence attache had taken over the mission in "a kind of coup", an extraordinary diplomatic standoff that comes two months after the military seized power in Myanmar.&nbsp;

Daily protests demanding a return of democracy have rocked the country and brought a brutal response from the armed forces, with almost 600 civilians killed according to a local monitoring group.&nbsp;

The coup prompted several high-profile diplomatic defections, including the country's ambassador to the United Nations. The junta recalled Kyaw Zwar Minn last month after he issued a statement urging them to release Suu Kyi and deposed civilian President Win Myint.&nbsp;

Protesters gathered outside the mission with the ousted ambassador, who told the Daily Telegraph that "when I left the embassy, they stormed inside the embassy and took it."&nbsp;

"They said they received instruction from the capital, so they are not going to let me in," he added, calling on the British government to intervene. Asked who had taken over, he replied: "Defence attache, they occupy my embassy".&nbsp;

According to The Times newspaper, the ambassador said the defence attache had sought to install Chit Kin, his former deputy, as charge d'affaires.&nbsp;

Britain has been a strong critic of the coup, hitting the military with several sets of sanctions, and its foreign ministry said it was "seeking further information" about the embassy standoff. AFP has tried to contact Myanmar's military authorities for comment on the incident but has not yet received a response.

(With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar’s ambassador to the UK Kyaw Zwar Minn has been locked out of its embassy in central London in what he called an "unacceptable" move following the military coup in his home country.

Myanmar’s ambassador to the UK Kyaw Zwar Minn has been locked out of its embassy in central London in what he called an "unacceptable" move following the military coup in his home country. Protesters have left flowers and posters outside the embassy to commemorate the civilian victims of the coup. Diplomats loyal to Myanmar's junta have seized the country's embassy in London, leaving the ambassador locked out in the street after he called for the release of ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The ambassador, Kyaw Zwar Minn, said the defence attache had taken over the mission in "a kind of coup", an extraordinary diplomatic standoff that comes two months after the military seized power in Myanmar. Daily protests demanding a return of democracy have rocked the country and brought a brutal response from the armed forces, with almost 600 civilians killed according to a local monitoring group. The coup prompted several high-profile diplomatic defections, including the country's ambassador to the United Nations. The junta recalled Kyaw Zwar Minn last month after he issued a statement urging them to release Suu Kyi and deposed civilian President Win Myint. Protesters gathered outside the mission with the ousted ambassador, who told the Daily Telegraph that "when I left the embassy, they stormed inside the embassy and took it." "They said they received instruction from the capital, so they are not going to let me in," he added, calling on the British government to intervene. Asked who had taken over, he replied: "Defence attache, they occupy my embassy". According to The Times newspaper, the ambassador said the defence attache had sought to install Chit Kin, his former deputy, as charge d'affaires. Britain has been a strong critic of the coup, hitting the military with several sets of sanctions, and its foreign ministry said it was "seeking further information" about the embassy standoff. AFP has tried to contact Myanmar's military authorities for comment on the incident but has not yet received a response. (With inputs from agencies)

Military Junta seized London embassy in 'coup', says Myanmar ambassador to the UK

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