Continuing the struggle to free the country from military rule, thousands of anti-coup protestors marched on Myanmar streets on Sunday calling for a “spring revolution”.

As Myanmar entered its fourth month since the military coup, demonstrators gathered on a street corner in Yangon to demand a "spring revolution" and asked for freedom from the military regime.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bomb-blasts-flash-protests-as-myanmar-enters-fourth-month-under-junta-382005" hreflang="en">Bomb blasts, flash protests as Myanmar enters fourth month under junta</a>

Young demonstrators waved the three-finger salute as a sign of protest and chanted “To bring down the military dictatorship is our cause!”

As the demonstrations spread in different parts of the country, the security forces started chasing down the young demonstrators, as per local media reports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-coup-protesters-hold-flash-marches-in-yangon-for-democracy-382087">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-coup-protesters-hold-flash-marches-in-yangon-for-democracy-382087/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"They are arresting every young person they see," a source in Yangon was quoted by AFP, who was in hiding and was later trapped.

The day also witnessed several bomb blasts across different parts of the capital city — the frequency of bomb blasts has increased manifolds in the last few months in Yangon.

According to local media, security forces&nbsp;also opened fire on one of the gatherings, leading to the death of at least one young demonstrator.

"He was shot in the head and died immediately," a protestor told AFP after hiding his friend’s dead body. "They are asking for his dead body, but we will not give them... We will have his funeral today."

Continuing the struggle to free the country from military rule, thousands of anti-coup protestors marched on Myanmar streets on Sunday calling for a “spring revolution”.

Continuing the struggle to free the country from military rule, thousands of anti-coup protestors marched on Myanmar streets on Sunday calling for a “spring revolution”. As Myanmar entered its fourth month since the military coup, demonstrators gathered on a street corner in Yangon to demand a "spring revolution" and asked for freedom from the military regime. Also read | Bomb blasts, flash protests as Myanmar enters fourth month under junta Young demonstrators waved the three-finger salute as a sign of protest and chanted “To bring down the military dictatorship is our cause!” As the demonstrations spread in different parts of the country, the security forces started chasing down the young demonstrators, as per local media reports. Watch | "They are arresting every young person they see," a source in Yangon was quoted by AFP, who was in hiding and was later trapped. The day also witnessed several bomb blasts across different parts of the capital city — the frequency of bomb blasts has increased manifolds in the last few months in Yangon. According to local media, security forces also opened fire on one of the gatherings, leading to the death of at least one young demonstrator. "He was shot in the head and died immediately," a protestor told AFP after hiding his friend’s dead body. "They are asking for his dead body, but we will not give them... We will have his funeral today."

Myanmar's young demonstrators march to demand 'spring revolution'

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

Anti-coup demonstrators in Myanmar fought back with hunting rifles and firebombs against a crackdown by security forces in a town in the northwest but at least 11 of the protesters were killed, domestic media reported on Thursday.

Initially, six truckloads of troops were deployed to quell the protesters in the town of Taze, the Myanmar Now and Irrawaddy news outlets said. When the protesters fought back with guns, knives and firebombs, five more truckloads of troop reinforcements were brought in.

Fighting continued into Thursday morning and at least 11 protesters were killed and about 20 wounded, the media said. There was no word of any casualties among the soldiers.

That would take the toll of civilians killed by security forces to over 600 since the junta seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). It had a toll of 598 dead as of Wednesday evening.

Taze is near the town of Kale, where at least 11 people were killed in a similar clash on Wednesday, according to news media and witnesses. Security forces fired live rounds, grenades, and machine-guns on protesters who were demanding the restoration of Suu Kyi`s government, AAPP said.

A spokesman for the junta could not be reached for comment.

The government on Thursday arrested Paing Takhon, a model and actor who had spoken out against the coup, his sister told Reuters. In Yangon, the country`s biggest city, activists placed shoes filled with flowers to commemorate dead protesters.

AAPP has said 2,847 people were currently being held in detention.

In addition, arrest warrants have been issued for hundreds of people, with the junta this week going after scores of influencers, entertainers, artists and musicians.

Paing Takhon, 24, a model and actor well-known in Myanmar and Thailand, was one of the latest celbrities to be detained. He had condemned the military`s takeover and pledged support for Suu Kyi.

His sister, Thi Thi Lwin, told Reuters that the military detained her brother at 4.30 am at their parents` home in Yangon, where he had been staying for several days while unwell, suffering from malaria and a heart condition.

The security forces came with eight military trucks and about 50 soldiers and it was unclear where he had been taken, she said.

The country’s most famous comedian, Zarganar, was arrested on Tuesday, media reported.

'Locked out of embassy'

Overseas, diplomatic tussles emerged again on Wednesday.

Myanmar`s ambassador to London Kyaw Zwar Minn said he was locked out of the embassy, with sources saying his deputy had shut him out and taken charge on behalf of the military.

Kyaw Zwar Minn has broken ranks with the ruling junta in recent weeks, calling for the release of detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

"It`s a kind of coup, in the middle of London... you can see that they occupy my building," he told Reuters.

There have also been similar counter claims in embassies in other global centres and at the United Nations.

Meanwhile, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the junta`s leader, said in a statement on Wednesday that the civil disobedience movement, or CDM, had halted the working of hospitals, schools, roads, offices and factories.

"CDM is an activity to destroy the country," he said.

Fitch Solutions said in a report that Western sanctions targeting the military were unlikely to succeed in restoring democracy, but said the army was losing control.

It predicted a violent revolution pitting the military against an armed opposition comprised of members of the anti-coup movement and ethnic militias.

"The escalating violence on civilians and ethnic militias show that the Tatmadaw (military) is increasingly losing control of the country," it said.

The vast majority of people back Suu Kyi`s ousted government, it added.

Suu Kyi and leading figures in her National League for Democracy party, which won an election in November that was annulled by the coup, are currently in detention facing various charges.

The United Nations` special envoy for Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, hopes to visit the country in the next few days, a U.N. spokesman said in New York.

Anti-coup demonstrators in Myanmar fought back with hunting rifles and firebombs against a crackdown by security forces in a town in the northwest but at least 11 of the protesters were killed, domestic media reported on Thursday.

Anti-coup demonstrators in Myanmar fought back with hunting rifles and firebombs against a crackdown by security forces in a town in the northwest but at least 11 of the protesters were killed, domestic media reported on Thursday. Initially, six truckloads of troops were deployed to quell the protesters in the town of Taze, the Myanmar Now and Irrawaddy news outlets said. When the protesters fought back with guns, knives and firebombs, five more truckloads of troop reinforcements were brought in. Fighting continued into Thursday morning and at least 11 protesters were killed and about 20 wounded, the media said. There was no word of any casualties among the soldiers. That would take the toll of civilians killed by security forces to over 600 since the junta seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). It had a toll of 598 dead as of Wednesday evening. Taze is near the town of Kale, where at least 11 people were killed in a similar clash on Wednesday, according to news media and witnesses. Security forces fired live rounds, grenades, and machine-guns on protesters who were demanding the restoration of Suu Kyi`s government, AAPP said. A spokesman for the junta could not be reached for comment. The government on Thursday arrested Paing Takhon, a model and actor who had spoken out against the coup, his sister told Reuters. In Yangon, the country`s biggest city, activists placed shoes filled with flowers to commemorate dead protesters. AAPP has said 2,847 people were currently being held in detention. In addition, arrest warrants have been issued for hundreds of people, with the junta this week going after scores of influencers, entertainers, artists and musicians. Paing Takhon, 24, a model and actor well-known in Myanmar and Thailand, was one of the latest celbrities to be detained. He had condemned the military`s takeover and pledged support for Suu Kyi. His sister, Thi Thi Lwin, told Reuters that the military detained her brother at 4.30 am at their parents` home in Yangon, where he had been staying for several days while unwell, suffering from malaria and a heart condition. The security forces came with eight military trucks and about 50 soldiers and it was unclear where he had been taken, she said. The country’s most famous comedian, Zarganar, was arrested on Tuesday, media reported. 'Locked out of embassy' Overseas, diplomatic tussles emerged again on Wednesday. Myanmar`s ambassador to London Kyaw Zwar Minn said he was locked out of the embassy, with sources saying his deputy had shut him out and taken charge on behalf of the military. Kyaw Zwar Minn has broken ranks with the ruling junta in recent weeks, calling for the release of detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. "It`s a kind of coup, in the middle of London... you can see that they occupy my building," he told Reuters. There have also been similar counter claims in embassies in other global centres and at the United Nations. Meanwhile, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the junta`s leader, said in a statement on Wednesday that the civil disobedience movement, or CDM, had halted the working of hospitals, schools, roads, offices and factories. "CDM is an activity to destroy the country," he said. Fitch Solutions said in a report that Western sanctions targeting the military were unlikely to succeed in restoring democracy, but said the army was losing control. It predicted a violent revolution pitting the military against an armed opposition comprised of members of the anti-coup movement and ethnic militias. "The escalating violence on civilians and ethnic militias show that the Tatmadaw (military) is increasingly losing control of the country," it said. The vast majority of people back Suu Kyi`s ousted government, it added. Suu Kyi and leading figures in her National League for Democracy party, which won an election in November that was annulled by the coup, are currently in detention facing various charges. The United Nations` special envoy for Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, hopes to visit the country in the next few days, a U.N. spokesman said in New York.

Eleven killed as Myanmar protesters fight troops with hunting rifles, firebombs: media

The civil disobedience movement that is continuing to put pressure on the Myanmar junta to give up power has been nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, a Norwegian academic said on Friday.&nbsp;

Calling it an important "mass mobilisation for democracy", Kristian Stokke, professor of sociology at the University of Oslo told news agency AFP that if the movement turns out to be successful, it would "inspire other non-violent pro-democracy" causes elsewhere.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-coup-uk-sanctions-military-owned-myanmar-conglomerate-373219/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The civil disobedience movement is an important mass mobilisation for democracy in Myanmar that is taking place, so far, with non-violent means," the professor said.&nbsp;

"This pro-democracy movement, especially if successful, can also have consequences outside Myanmar and inspire other non-violent pro-democracy movements elsewhere at a time when democracy is under pressure from authoritarian forces."&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
As many as 320 people have been killed and about 3,000 detained since the coup ousted the democratically-elected government in Myanmar, according to the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (AAPP).&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-activists-call-for-anti-coup-protest-as-junta-marks-armed-forces-day-373467">Myanmar activists call for anti-coup protest as junta marks Armed Forces Day</a>

"What is important and gives a glimmer of hope is that what started as a response to a military coup has become a broader alliance across the many differences, especially ethnic ones, within Burmese society," Stokke added.&nbsp;

The Nobel committee only considers January 31 deadline for this year's awards and so the nomination by Stokke will be taken next year.&nbsp;

The civil disobedience movement that is continuing to put pressure on the Myanmar junta to give up power has been nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, a Norwegian academic said on Friday.

The civil disobedience movement that is continuing to put pressure on the Myanmar junta to give up power has been nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, a Norwegian academic said on Friday. Calling it an important "mass mobilisation for democracy", Kristian Stokke, professor of sociology at the University of Oslo told news agency AFP that if the movement turns out to be successful, it would "inspire other non-violent pro-democracy" causes elsewhere. Watch | "The civil disobedience movement is an important mass mobilisation for democracy in Myanmar that is taking place, so far, with non-violent means," the professor said. "This pro-democracy movement, especially if successful, can also have consequences outside Myanmar and inspire other non-violent pro-democracy movements elsewhere at a time when democracy is under pressure from authoritarian forces." As many as 320 people have been killed and about 3,000 detained since the coup ousted the democratically-elected government in Myanmar, according to the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (AAPP). Also read | Myanmar activists call for anti-coup protest as junta marks Armed Forces Day "What is important and gives a glimmer of hope is that what started as a response to a military coup has become a broader alliance across the many differences, especially ethnic ones, within Burmese society," Stokke added. The Nobel committee only considers January 31 deadline for this year's awards and so the nomination by Stokke will be taken next year.

Myanmar protesters nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

Myanmar was divided into two parts on February 01 after the military overtook the country in a coup and detained the popular leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Since then, several human rights groups have voiced concerns and locals have staged protests every day against the rising military pressure on the streets.

When the locals took to the streets, the majority of people wanted to join these demonstrations and fight for their rights and freedom. However, workers of a company have claimed that they were locked in the factory to prevent them from joining anti-coup protests.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/several-protesters-killed-in-myanmar-capital-in-overnight-protests-370154" hreflang="en">Several protesters killed in Myanmar capital in overnight protests</a>

Employees of GY Sen, who are suppliers of the popular clothing store Primark, have claimed that their supervisors locked them inside the factory to make sure they could not participate in the anti-coup protests taking place in Myanmar's Yangon on February 18.

The reports claim that nearly 1,000 workers were trapped inside the factory who say it took them hours to break free from the confinement.

It has also been alleged that nearly 20 workers were fired from their jobs after they participated in the civil disobedience movement. This movement has called locals refusing to work till the military backs down, which has led to a paralysis of the economy and the military junta, as many key sectors services' have been disrupted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-citizens-in-us-offered-temporary-refuge-from-coup-crackdown-370096" hreflang="en">Myanmar citizens in US offered temporary refuge from coup crackdown</a>

These allegations have been denied by a spokesperson for GY Sen. The supplier has also denied not paying employees on time saying, "we have paid them [for overtime] according to the standard rate under the law."

However, the popular brand Primark has launched an investigation into the matter. The company has also suspended all future orders from the suppliers till the investigation is completed.

"We will work with our supplier and, where required, other trusted third parties. If the factory is found to have breached our code [of conduct], we will work with the supplier and factory to remediate any issues," Primark said in a statement. "We believe it is our responsibility to do all we can to support workers in our supply chain."

Myanmar was divided into two parts on February 01 after the military overtook the country in a coup and detained the popular leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Since then, several human rights groups have voiced concerns and locals have staged protests every day against the rising military pressure on the streets.

Myanmar was divided into two parts on February 01 after the military overtook the country in a coup and detained the popular leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Since then, several human rights groups have voiced concerns and locals have staged protests every day against the rising military pressure on the streets. When the locals took to the streets, the majority of people wanted to join these demonstrations and fight for their rights and freedom. However, workers of a company have claimed that they were locked in the factory to prevent them from joining anti-coup protests. Also read | Several protesters killed in Myanmar capital in overnight protests Employees of GY Sen, who are suppliers of the popular clothing store Primark, have claimed that their supervisors locked them inside the factory to make sure they could not participate in the anti-coup protests taking place in Myanmar's Yangon on February 18. The reports claim that nearly 1,000 workers were trapped inside the factory who say it took them hours to break free from the confinement. It has also been alleged that nearly 20 workers were fired from their jobs after they participated in the civil disobedience movement. This movement has called locals refusing to work till the military backs down, which has led to a paralysis of the economy and the military junta, as many key sectors services' have been disrupted. Also read | Myanmar citizens in US offered temporary refuge from coup crackdown These allegations have been denied by a spokesperson for GY Sen. The supplier has also denied not paying employees on time saying, "we have paid them [for overtime] according to the standard rate under the law." However, the popular brand Primark has launched an investigation into the matter. The company has also suspended all future orders from the suppliers till the investigation is completed. "We will work with our supplier and, where required, other trusted third parties. If the factory is found to have breached our code [of conduct], we will work with the supplier and factory to remediate any issues," Primark said in a statement. "We believe it is our responsibility to do all we can to support workers in our supply chain."

Primark supplier locked workers in factory during Myanmar protests

In the continued protests over the military coup and detention of the popular leader Aung San Suu Kyi, nine protestors have been shot dead on Thursday.

The protestors took to the streets to protest over the continued military coup, which started on February 01. During these protests, which were scheduled all over the country, six people were killed in central Myanmar's Myaing township.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-accuses-suu-kyi-of-taking-600000-illegal-payment-369683">Myanmar junta accuses Suu Kyi of taking $600,000 illegal payment</a>

"Six men were shot dead while eight people were wounded -- with one man in a critical condition," a rescue worker was quoted saying by news agency AFP.

Another witness clarified that five of these deceased protestors were shot in the head by the Myanmar military.&nbsp;

In Bago, a city northeast of Yangon, Zaw Zaw Aung, 33, who is deaf, was shot in the head, his father Myint Lwin told AFP. "As a father, I am deeply sad for his death," he said.

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A rescue worker told AFP that a 30-year-old man was also killed in Myanmar's second-largest city, Mandalay, and two other people were seriously injured. The rescue worker also claimed that even they are being targetted these days which has made it difficult for them to operate. "We couldn't pick up his dead body because rescue teams are being targeted these days as well," he said.

While the military is increasing it presence and fear in the country, diplomatic pressure is mounting from international organisations and governments who have openly condemned the crackdown.

Now, after months of takeover and detainment of Suu Kyi, the military held a rare news conference on Thursday in which they accused the popular leader of corruption.

"We have learnt Daw Aung San Suu Kyi herself took this $600,000 and seven visses (11.2 kilograms) of gold. The anti-corruption commission is investigating," the military's spokesman Zaw Min Tun told reporters in the capital Naypyidaw.

(With inputs from AFP)

In the continued protests over the military coup and detention of the popular leader Aung San Suu Kyi, nine protestors have been shot dead on Thursday. The protestors took to the streets to protest over the continued military coup, which started on February 01.

In the continued protests over the military coup and detention of the popular leader Aung San Suu Kyi, nine protestors have been shot dead on Thursday. The protestors took to the streets to protest over the continued military coup, which started on February 01. During these protests, which were scheduled all over the country, six people were killed in central Myanmar's Myaing township. Also read | Myanmar junta accuses Suu Kyi of taking $600,000 illegal payment "Six men were shot dead while eight people were wounded -- with one man in a critical condition," a rescue worker was quoted saying by news agency AFP. Another witness clarified that five of these deceased protestors were shot in the head by the Myanmar military. In Bago, a city northeast of Yangon, Zaw Zaw Aung, 33, who is deaf, was shot in the head, his father Myint Lwin told AFP. "As a father, I am deeply sad for his death," he said. Also watch | Myanmar Coup Update: Military Junta hired Israeli-Canadian lobbyist A rescue worker told AFP that a 30-year-old man was also killed in Myanmar's second-largest city, Mandalay, and two other people were seriously injured. The rescue worker also claimed that even they are being targetted these days which has made it difficult for them to operate. "We couldn't pick up his dead body because rescue teams are being targeted these days as well," he said. While the military is increasing it presence and fear in the country, diplomatic pressure is mounting from international organisations and governments who have openly condemned the crackdown. Now, after months of takeover and detainment of Suu Kyi, the military held a rare news conference on Thursday in which they accused the popular leader of corruption. "We have learnt Daw Aung San Suu Kyi herself took this $600,000 and seven visses (11.2 kilograms) of gold. The anti-corruption commission is investigating," the military's spokesman Zaw Min Tun told reporters in the capital Naypyidaw. (With inputs from AFP)

Nine protestors killed in Myanmar; several injured

Following overnight raids in the properties of officials supporting the ousted leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, anti-coup demonstrators have vowed big turnouts on the streets on Sunday.

The National League for Democracy party confirmed that some officials were raided and arrested overnight. "It's true that in some townships NLD officials were arrested. But we do not know exactly how many persons were taken or arrested," Soe Win, a party official, told the news agency AFP.

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NLD MP Sithu Maung also took to social media platform Facebook to report that the Myanmar army went to the party's information officer U Maung Maung's house to search for him, but could not find him there.

He also alleged that "U Maung Maung’s brother was beaten by police and soldiers and his body was held in an upside-down position while he was tortured because there was no one to arrest," the MP's Facebook post read.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-myanmar-police-officers-seek-refuge-in-india-rather-than-carry-out-juntas-orders-368000">Also read |&nbsp;Myanmar police officers seek refuge in India rather than carry out junta's orders</a>

The overnight raids have come days after Myanmar witnessed one of the deadliest days so far since the military coup and detainment of the civilian leader, Suu Kyi.

As per a report by the UN, Wednesday was labelled as the deadliest day when at least 38 people were, reportedly, gunned down by the security forces while trying to stop the demonstrators from protesting 'íllegally'. It was also reported that more than 1,700 people have been detained, with the actual number predictably being believed to be higher.

While the Myanmar army is trying to tackle the growing crowd of demonstrators on the streets, locals and anti-coup demonstrators are now taking on a musical flavour to raise their voices against the military coup.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-forces-fire-tear-gas-stun-grenades-on-protest-as-un-envoy-calls-for-action-368498">WATCH |</a>

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In Yangon's North Okkalapa township, demonstrators can be seen with guitarists, drummers and singers performing revolutionary songs while wearing t-shirts with the face of Aung San Suu Kyi and messages in support of her.

Meanwhile, another situation is building on the border shared by Myanmar and India where Myanmar locals are trying to cross the border.&nbsp;

Around 30 Myanmar police and their family members came across the border seeking refuge in recent days, as the military junta's suppression of protesters has turned increasingly violent, with dozens killed since the February 1 coup.

Myanmar authorities have urged India to return the police officers who have already fled across the border.

"In order to uphold friendly relations between the two neighbour countries, you are kindly requested to detain 8 Myanmar police personnel who had arrived to Indian territories and hand-over to Myanmar," the letter sent to a senior official in Mizoram by Myanmar's Falam district read, as per Reuters.

Following overnight raids in the properties of officials supporting the ousted leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, anti-coup demonstrators have vowed big turnouts on the streets on Sunday.

Following overnight raids in the properties of officials supporting the ousted leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, anti-coup demonstrators have vowed big turnouts on the streets on Sunday. The National League for Democracy party confirmed that some officials were raided and arrested overnight. "It's true that in some townships NLD officials were arrested. But we do not know exactly how many persons were taken or arrested," Soe Win, a party official, told the news agency AFP. Also read | Myanmar asks India to return eight police who fled across border NLD MP Sithu Maung also took to social media platform Facebook to report that the Myanmar army went to the party's information officer U Maung Maung's house to search for him, but could not find him there. He also alleged that "U Maung Maung’s brother was beaten by police and soldiers and his body was held in an upside-down position while he was tortured because there was no one to arrest," the MP's Facebook post read. Also read | Myanmar police officers seek refuge in India rather than carry out junta's orders The overnight raids have come days after Myanmar witnessed one of the deadliest days so far since the military coup and detainment of the civilian leader, Suu Kyi. As per a report by the UN, Wednesday was labelled as the deadliest day when at least 38 people were, reportedly, gunned down by the security forces while trying to stop the demonstrators from protesting 'íllegally'. It was also reported that more than 1,700 people have been detained, with the actual number predictably being believed to be higher. While the Myanmar army is trying to tackle the growing crowd of demonstrators on the streets, locals and anti-coup demonstrators are now taking on a musical flavour to raise their voices against the military coup. WATCH | In Yangon's North Okkalapa township, demonstrators can be seen with guitarists, drummers and singers performing revolutionary songs while wearing t-shirts with the face of Aung San Suu Kyi and messages in support of her. Meanwhile, another situation is building on the border shared by Myanmar and India where Myanmar locals are trying to cross the border. Around 30 Myanmar police and their family members came across the border seeking refuge in recent days, as the military junta's suppression of protesters has turned increasingly violent, with dozens killed since the February 1 coup. Myanmar authorities have urged India to return the police officers who have already fled across the border. "In order to uphold friendly relations between the two neighbour countries, you are kindly requested to detain 8 Myanmar police personnel who had arrived to Indian territories and hand-over to Myanmar," the letter sent to a senior official in Mizoram by Myanmar's Falam district read, as per Reuters.

Myanmar: Anti-coup demonstrators promise increased turnout after overnight raids

Tank-ing democracy: Myanmar army bans internet to curb protests against military coup

The military government in Myanmar has increasingly used nighttime arrests, legal threats, a curfew and a ban on large gatherings to tame weeklong anti-coup protests that have spread from the cities to the countryside. Now, civil society groups fear that the military is preparing a new law that would further restrict online expression and limit the privacy rights of citizens.

One telecommunications company, Telenor, said Friday that it was aware of the proposal and was reviewing it. A coalition of 158 civil society organizations signed a statement raising concerns that the potential new law would lead to the widespread arrest of government critics.

Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;

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Myanmar already has harsh laws restricting online speech, but opponents of the military say the proposed law is so broad that it would allow authorities to arrest anyone who criticized the government online and imprison them for up to three years. Critics also said the proposed law would require telecommunications companies to cooperate with the government and provide information on their customers.

The military government declined to comment.

Concern over the proposal comes amid fears that the military could use greater force if the protests continue, as it has in the past. Two protesters have already been shot. But the proposal also suggests that the military may be searching for a variety of ways to rein in the demonstrations.

The military, which has ruled the country for most of the last 60 years, has a long history of using violence to suppress protests, including gunning down pro-democracy demonstrators in 1988 and 2007. The Myanmar army, or Tatmadaw, has never been shy about showing the depths of its brutality, killing monks in the street and launching a murderous rampage against the Rohingya, leading to an exodus of the Muslim minority in 2017.

But a violent response to largely peaceful protests that have swept the country after the Feb. 1 coup could further isolate Myanmar at a time when military leaders want to maintain normal economic relations. Aside from a nationally televised speech Tuesday evening by the coup leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the generals behind the junta have largely been silent as the civil disobedience movement has grown.

On Thursday, Min Aung Hlaing posted a statement on Facebook saying that coronavirus vaccinations were proceeding and repeating his call for “disciplined multiparty democracy.”

Since seizing power, the military has shut down the internet at times and blocked Facebook to disrupt communications among protesters.

Over the last 10 days, a civil disobedience movement against the military takeover has seeped into nearly every aspect of society. Many bank employees, rail workers, civil servants, doctors and nurses have refused to work, reducing the availability of medical care, slowing financial transactions and halting rail transportation.

A walkout by rail employees earlier this week prompted the closure of the Myanmar Railway, which under coronavirus restrictions was serving only several thousand commuters near Yangon, the country’s largest city. There was no indication of when it would reopen.

In Yangon, where hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets in protest earlier this week, actions were more muted as smaller impromptu demonstrations popped up in different neighborhoods. On Friday, thousands of protesters staged demonstrations at foreign missions in the city, including the Chinese and Russian embassies.

Demonstrators also have become more creative since the restrictions on gatherings were announced Tuesday. Some have paraded in horse-drawn carts or dressed in ballgown. One group of animal lovers brought their dogs, another their snakes and lizards. Musicians played on the streets, weightlifters bared their chests, and a few young women wore bikinis while holding anti-coup signs.

“It’s wonderful to see all kinds of people joining in protest,” said Wai Zin Thant, a private company manager in Mandalay who watched them online. “I never thought that I would see a fashion show, a music concert and a historical protest against the military coup at the same time.”

The protests have even come to the placid Inle Lake in central Myanmar, where the inhabitants seem to live in a bygone era. They dwell in houses built on stilts, grow vegetables in floating gardens and travel in long, narrow wooden boats. The fishermen are renowned for standing on one leg while rowing with the other.

But the community is not so remote that it has been bypassed by the protests. On Thursday, more than a thousand Inle Lake residents gathered by boat in a floating protest, with anti-military slogans written on their wooden paddles and placards spelling out words in English such as, “Get out dictators.”

“Maybe people think we live a peaceful life because we grow our vegetables for food and make our own boats for transportation,” said Ngwe Toe, an Inle resident. “But we can’t neglect that the country’s democracy is being raped by the military.”

At several demonstrations earlier in the week, police officers crossed over to the protesters’ side to large cheers from the crowd. In the city of Loikaw in Kayah state, at least 40 male and female officers joined in chanting, “No dictatorship” and “People’s police” after switching sides.

But in the capital, Naypyitaw, two protesters were shot by the police Tuesday, apparently with live ammunition. One victim, Mya Thwate Thwate Khing, 19, was shot in the head. She is being kept alive by a ventilator, said Dr. Wai Yan Kyaw at Naypyitaw Thousand-Bed General Hospital, where she is being treated.

“According to her injury, this must not be a rubber bullet,” the doctor said. “This must be a real bullet.”

A second patient, a man who was shot in the chest, has been released, he said.

The young woman’s sister, Mya Tha Toe Nwe, said the two of them had taken cover at the protest to avoid the spray from a police water cannon and were leaving when she was shot.

“There is no hope even with an operation,” she said. “I am deeply sad.” But she said she would not be deterred.

“We participated in the protest against the military coup because it’s not only for one person or one party,” she said. “We need to eliminate the military dictatorship from our country, and I will keep fighting.”

Many protesters applauded the decision by President Joe Biden on Wednesday to impose sanctions on the generals behind the coup that would prevent them from gaining access to $1 billion in funds that their government keeps in the United States.

Biden, who has demanded that the military release the civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, from house arrest, said he would announce additional actions against the military leaders and their families. The United Nations Human Rights Council was scheduled to meet in a special session Friday to consider taking action.

In recent days, the military has rounded up prominent leaders aligned with Suu Kyi’s party, the National League for Democracy, in midnight raids, including the chief ministers of 14 states, the popular mayor of Mandalay and her Australian economics adviser.

Among those detained were the chairman and a member of the Union Election Commission, which oversaw the November elections that the National League for Democracy won in a landslide. The military tried to justify its coup by claiming electoral fraud. Authorities also raided the party’s headquarters in Yangon, seizing financial records, computers and data storage devices.

A doctor active in the civil disobedience movement in the southern Myanmar township of Ingapu was arrested and dragged away by plainclothes police officers Thursday afternoon while he was in the middle of stitching up a patient, his family said. He has not been heard from since.

The military announced Friday that it would release more than 23,000 prisoners under an amnesty in honor of Union Day, a national holiday commemorating a 1947 independence agreement. Such mass amnesties are not unusual in Myanmar; the civilian government released nearly 25,000 inmates in April.

But democracy advocates expressed concern online that the junta could organize some of the prisoners into mobs to attack protesters, a tactic that critics said it has used in the past.

The military government in Myanmar has increasingly used nighttime arrests, legal threats, a curfew and a ban on large gatherings to tame weeklong anti-coup protests that have spread from the cities to the countryside.

The military government in Myanmar has increasingly used nighttime arrests, legal threats, a curfew and a ban on large gatherings to tame weeklong anti-coup protests that have spread from the cities to the countryside. Now, civil society groups fear that the military is preparing a new law that would further restrict online expression and limit the privacy rights of citizens. One telecommunications company, Telenor, said Friday that it was aware of the proposal and was reviewing it. A coalition of 158 civil society organizations signed a statement raising concerns that the potential new law would lead to the widespread arrest of government critics. Watch | Myanmar already has harsh laws restricting online speech, but opponents of the military say the proposed law is so broad that it would allow authorities to arrest anyone who criticized the government online and imprison them for up to three years. Critics also said the proposed law would require telecommunications companies to cooperate with the government and provide information on their customers. The military government declined to comment. Concern over the proposal comes amid fears that the military could use greater force if the protests continue, as it has in the past. Two protesters have already been shot. But the proposal also suggests that the military may be searching for a variety of ways to rein in the demonstrations. The military, which has ruled the country for most of the last 60 years, has a long history of using violence to suppress protests, including gunning down pro-democracy demonstrators in 1988 and 2007. The Myanmar army, or Tatmadaw, has never been shy about showing the depths of its brutality, killing monks in the street and launching a murderous rampage against the Rohingya, leading to an exodus of the Muslim minority in 2017. But a violent response to largely peaceful protests that have swept the country after the Feb. 1 coup could further isolate Myanmar at a time when military leaders want to maintain normal economic relations. Aside from a nationally televised speech Tuesday evening by the coup leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the generals behind the junta have largely been silent as the civil disobedience movement has grown. On Thursday, Min Aung Hlaing posted a statement on Facebook saying that coronavirus vaccinations were proceeding and repeating his call for “disciplined multiparty democracy.” Since seizing power, the military has shut down the internet at times and blocked Facebook to disrupt communications among protesters. Over the last 10 days, a civil disobedience movement against the military takeover has seeped into nearly every aspect of society. Many bank employees, rail workers, civil servants, doctors and nurses have refused to work, reducing the availability of medical care, slowing financial transactions and halting rail transportation. A walkout by rail employees earlier this week prompted the closure of the Myanmar Railway, which under coronavirus restrictions was serving only several thousand commuters near Yangon, the country’s largest city. There was no indication of when it would reopen. In Yangon, where hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets in protest earlier this week, actions were more muted as smaller impromptu demonstrations popped up in different neighborhoods. On Friday, thousands of protesters staged demonstrations at foreign missions in the city, including the Chinese and Russian embassies. Demonstrators also have become more creative since the restrictions on gatherings were announced Tuesday. Some have paraded in horse-drawn carts or dressed in ballgown. One group of animal lovers brought their dogs, another their snakes and lizards. Musicians played on the streets, weightlifters bared their chests, and a few young women wore bikinis while holding anti-coup signs. “It’s wonderful to see all kinds of people joining in protest,” said Wai Zin Thant, a private company manager in Mandalay who watched them online. “I never thought that I would see a fashion show, a music concert and a historical protest against the military coup at the same time.” The protests have even come to the placid Inle Lake in central Myanmar, where the inhabitants seem to live in a bygone era. They dwell in houses built on stilts, grow vegetables in floating gardens and travel in long, narrow wooden boats. The fishermen are renowned for standing on one leg while rowing with the other. But the community is not so remote that it has been bypassed by the protests. On Thursday, more than a thousand Inle Lake residents gathered by boat in a floating protest, with anti-military slogans written on their wooden paddles and placards spelling out words in English such as, “Get out dictators.” “Maybe people think we live a peaceful life because we grow our vegetables for food and make our own boats for transportation,” said Ngwe Toe, an Inle resident. “But we can’t neglect that the country’s democracy is being raped by the military.” At several demonstrations earlier in the week, police officers crossed over to the protesters’ side to large cheers from the crowd. In the city of Loikaw in Kayah state, at least 40 male and female officers joined in chanting, “No dictatorship” and “People’s police” after switching sides. But in the capital, Naypyitaw, two protesters were shot by the police Tuesday, apparently with live ammunition. One victim, Mya Thwate Thwate Khing, 19, was shot in the head. She is being kept alive by a ventilator, said Dr. Wai Yan Kyaw at Naypyitaw Thousand-Bed General Hospital, where she is being treated. “According to her injury, this must not be a rubber bullet,” the doctor said. “This must be a real bullet.” A second patient, a man who was shot in the chest, has been released, he said. The young woman’s sister, Mya Tha Toe Nwe, said the two of them had taken cover at the protest to avoid the spray from a police water cannon and were leaving when she was shot. “There is no hope even with an operation,” she said. “I am deeply sad.” But she said she would not be deterred. “We participated in the protest against the military coup because it’s not only for one person or one party,” she said. “We need to eliminate the military dictatorship from our country, and I will keep fighting.” Many protesters applauded the decision by President Joe Biden on Wednesday to impose sanctions on the generals behind the coup that would prevent them from gaining access to $1 billion in funds that their government keeps in the United States. Biden, who has demanded that the military release the civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, from house arrest, said he would announce additional actions against the military leaders and their families. The United Nations Human Rights Council was scheduled to meet in a special session Friday to consider taking action. In recent days, the military has rounded up prominent leaders aligned with Suu Kyi’s party, the National League for Democracy, in midnight raids, including the chief ministers of 14 states, the popular mayor of Mandalay and her Australian economics adviser. Among those detained were the chairman and a member of the Union Election Commission, which oversaw the November elections that the National League for Democracy won in a landslide. The military tried to justify its coup by claiming electoral fraud. Authorities also raided the party’s headquarters in Yangon, seizing financial records, computers and data storage devices. A doctor active in the civil disobedience movement in the southern Myanmar township of Ingapu was arrested and dragged away by plainclothes police officers Thursday afternoon while he was in the middle of stitching up a patient, his family said. He has not been heard from since. The military announced Friday that it would release more than 23,000 prisoners under an amnesty in honor of Union Day, a national holiday commemorating a 1947 independence agreement. Such mass amnesties are not unusual in Myanmar; the civilian government released nearly 25,000 inmates in April. But democracy advocates expressed concern online that the junta could organize some of the prisoners into mobs to attack protesters, a tactic that critics said it has used in the past.

Myanmar may target free speech in effort to stifle protests