Myanmar fighting has escalated in Eastern Karen state after rebel forces torched a military base on Tuesday. The army has now responded with a fresh round of air strikes on Karen villages.

Myanmar: Karen village pummelled by fresh wave or air strikes

Myanmar's coup has brought war back to a remote Southeast Asian frontier after 25 years, sending a new generation of villagers in both Myanmar and Thailand running for their lives from bullets and bombs.

Ethnic Karen insurgents and the Myanmar army have engaged in heavy clashes near the Thai border in the weeks since the February&nbsp;1 coup, when Myanmar's generals ousted an elected government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Karen and other autonomy-seeking ethnic minority forces based in frontier regions have supported the largely urban-based pro-democracy opponents of the junta, offering refuge to some, and tension with the military has boiled up into new fighting.

Before dawn on Tuesday, Karen fighters attacked the Myanmar army's Thaw Leh Ta outpost on the west bank of the Salween River, which forms the border with Thailand as it cuts through steep, forested slopes on is way to the Bay of Bengal.

"I've never heard gunfire like this, I've never seen people needing to flee like this," said Supart Nunongpan, 44, chief of the Thai village of Mae Sam Laep, a small river port of wooden houses and shops strung out along the Thai side of the Salween.

The Myanmar army had held Thaw Leh Ta since 1995, the last time there was major fighting in the area when, after years of dry-season offensives, the Myanmar army captured the headquarters of the Karen National Union (KNU) guerrilla group, not far to the south.

Divided and driven from most of its enclaves in eastern Myanmar, the KNU agreed to a ceasefire in 2012, ending an insurgency that began soon after Myanmar gained independence in 1948.

Now war has resumed and the Myanmar military, equipped with more effective aircraft than it had 25 years ago, has launched repeated air strikes against KNU positions, sending some 15,000 villagers fleeing into the forest, with several thousand briefly seeking refuge on the Thai side of the border.

Myanmar launched air strikes on Tuesday and again on Wednesday, with fighter jets and helicopters, Thai authorities on the border said. There was no word on casualties.

About 100 villagers from Myanmar, most of them elderly, pregnant women or children, crossed to the Thai side on Wednesday to escape the air strikes, the Free Burma Rangers aid group said.

Hundreds of Thai villagers living too close to the border for comfort have also abandoned their homes and fled inland. One woman on the Thai side was wounded by a stray bullet on Tuesday, Thai authorities said.

Thai villagers are sheltering in a school and a church in the settlement of Huay Kong Kad, a safe distance from the border. They think the fighting is far from over and it is only a matter of time before Myanmar's powerful military tries to take back the lost outposts.

"I don't feel safe, it's still dangerous. I'm afraid of the air strikes," Amin, 40, another villager from Mae Sam Laep who goes by only one name, told Reuters.

The Myanmar junta has not commented on the latest clashes but the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper blamed a rogue KNU brigade for the attacks, saying most of the KNU still backed the 2012 ceasefire.

The head of foreign affairs for the KNU, Saw Taw Nee, rejected that as "nonsense", saying state media was trying to "divide and conquer".

Thailand, which played host to more than 100,000 Karen refugees for decades, has said it wants to stay out of the latest surge of fighting but will provide humanitarian help if needed.

For now, displaced Thai villagers wait. Several said they only dared slip back into Mae Sam Laep during the day to check on their homes, fearing more fighting at any time.

"I'm afraid because we live on the border. The villagers are also afraid," village head Supart said.

Myanmar's coup has brought war back to a remote Southeast Asian frontier after 25 years, sending a new generation of villagers in both Myanmar and Thailand running for their lives from bullets and bombs.

Myanmar's coup has brought war back to a remote Southeast Asian frontier after 25 years, sending a new generation of villagers in both Myanmar and Thailand running for their lives from bullets and bombs. Ethnic Karen insurgents and the Myanmar army have engaged in heavy clashes near the Thai border in the weeks since the February 1 coup, when Myanmar's generals ousted an elected government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi. The Karen and other autonomy-seeking ethnic minority forces based in frontier regions have supported the largely urban-based pro-democracy opponents of the junta, offering refuge to some, and tension with the military has boiled up into new fighting. Before dawn on Tuesday, Karen fighters attacked the Myanmar army's Thaw Leh Ta outpost on the west bank of the Salween River, which forms the border with Thailand as it cuts through steep, forested slopes on is way to the Bay of Bengal. "I've never heard gunfire like this, I've never seen people needing to flee like this," said Supart Nunongpan, 44, chief of the Thai village of Mae Sam Laep, a small river port of wooden houses and shops strung out along the Thai side of the Salween. The Myanmar army had held Thaw Leh Ta since 1995, the last time there was major fighting in the area when, after years of dry-season offensives, the Myanmar army captured the headquarters of the Karen National Union (KNU) guerrilla group, not far to the south. Divided and driven from most of its enclaves in eastern Myanmar, the KNU agreed to a ceasefire in 2012, ending an insurgency that began soon after Myanmar gained independence in 1948. Now war has resumed and the Myanmar military, equipped with more effective aircraft than it had 25 years ago, has launched repeated air strikes against KNU positions, sending some 15,000 villagers fleeing into the forest, with several thousand briefly seeking refuge on the Thai side of the border. Myanmar launched air strikes on Tuesday and again on Wednesday, with fighter jets and helicopters, Thai authorities on the border said. There was no word on casualties. About 100 villagers from Myanmar, most of them elderly, pregnant women or children, crossed to the Thai side on Wednesday to escape the air strikes, the Free Burma Rangers aid group said. Hundreds of Thai villagers living too close to the border for comfort have also abandoned their homes and fled inland. One woman on the Thai side was wounded by a stray bullet on Tuesday, Thai authorities said. Thai villagers are sheltering in a school and a church in the settlement of Huay Kong Kad, a safe distance from the border. They think the fighting is far from over and it is only a matter of time before Myanmar's powerful military tries to take back the lost outposts. "I don't feel safe, it's still dangerous. I'm afraid of the air strikes," Amin, 40, another villager from Mae Sam Laep who goes by only one name, told Reuters. The Myanmar junta has not commented on the latest clashes but the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper blamed a rogue KNU brigade for the attacks, saying most of the KNU still backed the 2012 ceasefire. The head of foreign affairs for the KNU, Saw Taw Nee, rejected that as "nonsense", saying state media was trying to "divide and conquer". Thailand, which played host to more than 100,000 Karen refugees for decades, has said it wants to stay out of the latest surge of fighting but will provide humanitarian help if needed. For now, displaced Thai villagers wait. Several said they only dared slip back into Mae Sam Laep during the day to check on their homes, fearing more fighting at any time. "I'm afraid because we live on the border. The villagers are also afraid," village head Supart said.

Myanmar's war displaces new generation on remote river frontier

A bipartisan group of US&nbsp;senators&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;urged the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration to slap&nbsp;more&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on the military&nbsp;junta&nbsp;in&nbsp;Myanmar, including choking revenues to a state energy company, in response to its coup and violent crackdown on protesters.

Senators&nbsp;Jeff Merkley, a Democrat, and Marco Rubio, a Republican, and four others&nbsp;urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in a letter to "explore new avenues to support the people of Burma in their ongoing struggle for democracy in the face of escalating crimes against humanity."

They want the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration to stop royalties flowing from businesses including US&nbsp;energy major Chevron Corp to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Oil and Gas Enterprise, or MOGE, an agency within the Energy Ministry. MOGE provides financial support to military leaders, including General Min Aung Hlaing, already under US&nbsp;sanctions.

MOGE is a partner in Yadana, a natural gas field in which Chevron has a 28.3 per cent&nbsp;stake.

Human rights groups have&nbsp;urged energy companies including Chevron and Total to cut ties to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;after the military ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February&nbsp;1, detaining her and cracking down on protesters.&nbsp;More&nbsp;than 750 people have since been killed.

Gas revenues from joint ventures involving companies like Total and Chevron are the most significant single source of foreign exchange revenue for the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;government, generating cash payments of about $1.1 billion annually, the&nbsp;senators&nbsp;said.

They proposed the ventures pay revenue into a trust to be held until&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;has a democratically elected government or to be used for humanitarian purposes, according to the letter, a copy of which was seen by Reuters.

A Chevron representative said any diversion of revenues or taxes owed to MOGE into an escrow account "could be considered a breach of contract and potentially put employees of the joint venture partners at undue risk of criminal prosecution."

Total did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The State and Treasury departments did not immediately respond.

Chevron paid around $50 million to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;between 2014 and 2018, according to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which works to increase transparency in international business.

A bipartisan group of US senators on Tuesday urged the Biden administration to slap more sanctions on the military junta in Myanmar, including choking revenues to a state energy company, in response to its coup and violent crackdown on protesters.

A bipartisan group of US senators on Tuesday urged the Biden administration to slap more sanctions on the military junta in Myanmar, including choking revenues to a state energy company, in response to its coup and violent crackdown on protesters. Senators Jeff Merkley, a Democrat, and Marco Rubio, a Republican, and four others urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in a letter to "explore new avenues to support the people of Burma in their ongoing struggle for democracy in the face of escalating crimes against humanity." They want the Biden administration to stop royalties flowing from businesses including US energy major Chevron Corp to Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise, or MOGE, an agency within the Energy Ministry. MOGE provides financial support to military leaders, including General Min Aung Hlaing, already under US sanctions. MOGE is a partner in Yadana, a natural gas field in which Chevron has a 28.3 per cent stake. Human rights groups have urged energy companies including Chevron and Total to cut ties to Myanmar after the military ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, detaining her and cracking down on protesters. More than 750 people have since been killed. Gas revenues from joint ventures involving companies like Total and Chevron are the most significant single source of foreign exchange revenue for the Myanmar government, generating cash payments of about $1.1 billion annually, the senators said. They proposed the ventures pay revenue into a trust to be held until Myanmar has a democratically elected government or to be used for humanitarian purposes, according to the letter, a copy of which was seen by Reuters. A Chevron representative said any diversion of revenues or taxes owed to MOGE into an escrow account "could be considered a breach of contract and potentially put employees of the joint venture partners at undue risk of criminal prosecution." Total did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The State and Treasury departments did not immediately respond. Chevron paid around $50 million to Myanmar between 2014 and 2018, according to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which works to increase transparency in international business.

Senators urge Biden to impose more sanctions on Myanmar junta

Myanmar`s National Unity Government, which includes ousted lawmakers, appreciates the support from Southeast Asian countries, but the body`s prime minister said he was concerned by "any misrepresentation of facts by the military`. 
 
In his first statement since Saturday`s meeting hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with the junta leader, National Unity Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann also said there should be an unconditional release of political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, for any constructive dialogue. 
 
The Myanmar military overthrew the elected government of Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, detaining her and other civilian politicians. 
&nbsp;

Myanmar`s National Unity Government, which includes ousted lawmakers, appreciates the support from Southeast Asian countries, but the body`s prime minister said he was concerned by "any misrepresentation of facts by the military`.

Myanmar`s National Unity Government, which includes ousted lawmakers, appreciates the support from Southeast Asian countries, but the body`s prime minister said he was concerned by "any misrepresentation of facts by the military`. In his first statement since Saturday`s meeting hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with the junta leader, National Unity Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann also said there should be an unconditional release of political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, for any constructive dialogue. The Myanmar military overthrew the elected government of Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, detaining her and other civilian politicians.

Myanmar National Unity Government PM urges ASEAN to engage with them

Ethnic Karen rebels razed a Myanmar army base near the border with Thailand. The attack has raised the morale in Myanmar's anti-coup camp. WION's Palki tells you how the army is pushing Myanmar into a civil war.

Gravitas: Ethnic rebels raze Myanmar army base

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

Myanmar's pro-democracy activists sharply criticized an agreement between the country's junta chief and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to end a violent post-coup crisis and vowed to continue protesting.

Myanmar activists slam ASEAN-junta consensus, vow to continue protests

Myanmar's shadow government comprising of ousted lawmakers has welcomed a call by leaders of Southeast Asian nations for end to "military violence". Myanmar military junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing attended a high-level summit on Saturday with leaders from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) nations. The ASEAN leaders discussed mounting crisis in Myanmar.

Myanmar military ousted civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1. The country has been rocked by pro-democracy protests ever since. Security forces have adopted a strong-handed approach to quell the dissent.

The ASEAN meeting produced a consensus that there would be "an immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar", said a statement released by the bloc Saturday night.

ASEAN will also have a special envoy to "facilitate mediation" between all parties, and this representative will be able to travel to Myanmar.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nations-say-reach-consensus-on-ending-myanmar-crisis-at-asean-meet-379887">Nations say reach consensus on ending Myanmar crisis at ASEAN meet&nbsp;</a>

A spokesperson from a shadow government of ousted lawmakers -- many of whom are from Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party -- on Saturday welcomed the call for an end to violence in Myanmar as "encouraging news".

"This is what the National Unity Government has been calling for," said the NUG's minister of international cooperation known as Dr Sasa, who is currently in hiding with the rest of his fellow lawmakers.

"We eagerly await the engagement by the (ASEAN) secretary general... we look forward to firm action by ASEAN to follow up its decisions and restore our democracy and freedom for our people and for the region."&nbsp;

The lawmakers of the NUG are currently wanted for high treason by the junta.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar's shadow government comprising of ousted lawmakers has welcomed a call by leaders of Southeast Asian nations for end to "military violence". Myanmar military junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing attended a high-level summit on Saturday with leaders from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) nations.

Myanmar's shadow government comprising of ousted lawmakers has welcomed a call by leaders of Southeast Asian nations for end to "military violence". Myanmar military junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing attended a high-level summit on Saturday with leaders from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) nations. The ASEAN leaders discussed mounting crisis in Myanmar. Myanmar military ousted civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1. The country has been rocked by pro-democracy protests ever since. Security forces have adopted a strong-handed approach to quell the dissent. The ASEAN meeting produced a consensus that there would be "an immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar", said a statement released by the bloc Saturday night. ASEAN will also have a special envoy to "facilitate mediation" between all parties, and this representative will be able to travel to Myanmar. Also Read | Nations say reach consensus on ending Myanmar crisis at ASEAN meet A spokesperson from a shadow government of ousted lawmakers -- many of whom are from Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party -- on Saturday welcomed the call for an end to violence in Myanmar as "encouraging news". "This is what the National Unity Government has been calling for," said the NUG's minister of international cooperation known as Dr Sasa, who is currently in hiding with the rest of his fellow lawmakers. "We eagerly await the engagement by the (ASEAN) secretary general... we look forward to firm action by ASEAN to follow up its decisions and restore our democracy and freedom for our people and for the region." The lawmakers of the NUG are currently wanted for high treason by the junta. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar shadow government welcomes ASEAN call for an end to violence

Southeast Asian leaders announced a consensus on ending the Myanmar crisis. The ASEAN leaders have agreed on a plan with Myanmar's junta chief on Saturday to end the crisis in the violence-hit nation.

ASEAN leaders reach consensus on ending violence in Myanmar

Southeast Asian leaders said they had agreed on a plan with Myanmar's junta chief on Saturday to end the crisis in the violence-hit nation, including halting the killing of civilian protesters and accepting humanitarian assistance.&nbsp;

"It's beyond our expectation," Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin told reporters after the leaders' meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). &nbsp;

ASEAN leaders wanted a commitment from Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to restrain his security forces, who monitors say have killed 745 people since a mass civil disobedience movement emerged to challenge his February 1 coup against the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. They had also wanted the release of political prisoners.&nbsp;

"It's good that he did not reject what was put forward by me and many other colleagues," Muhyiddin said of the general, who was at the meeting with the other leaders.&nbsp;

According to a statement from Brunei, the chair of the group, a consensus was reached on five points - ending violence, a constructive dialogue among all parties, a special ASEAN envoy to facilitate the dialogue, acceptance of aid and a visit by the envoy to Myanmar. &nbsp;

"He said he heard us, he would take the points in, which he considered helpful," said Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of the junta chief, according to Channel NewsAsia television. "He was not opposed to ASEAN playing a constructive role, or an ASEAN delegation visit, or humanitarian assistance."&nbsp;

But Lee added the process had a long way to go, "because there's one thing to say you'll cease violence and release political prisoners; it's another thing to get it done."&nbsp;

There was no immediate comment from Min Aung Hlaing.&nbsp;

The ASEAN gathering was the first coordinated international effort to ease the crisis in Myanmar, an impoverished country that neighbours China, India and Thailand. Myanmar is part of the 10-nation ASEAN.&nbsp;

The bloc has a policy of consensus decision-making and non-interference in the affairs of its members.&nbsp;

It was unusual for the leader of a military government in Myanmar to attend an ASEAN summit - usually the country has been represented by a lower-ranked officer or a civilian.&nbsp;

The leaders of Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Brunei were at the meeting, along with the foreign ministers of Laos, Thailand and the Philippines.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Southeast Asian leaders said they had agreed on a plan with Myanmar's junta chief on Saturday to end the crisis in the violence-hit nation, including halting the killing of civilian protesters and accepting humanitarian assistance.

Southeast Asian leaders said they had agreed on a plan with Myanmar's junta chief on Saturday to end the crisis in the violence-hit nation, including halting the killing of civilian protesters and accepting humanitarian assistance. "It's beyond our expectation," Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin told reporters after the leaders' meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN leaders wanted a commitment from Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to restrain his security forces, who monitors say have killed 745 people since a mass civil disobedience movement emerged to challenge his February 1 coup against the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. They had also wanted the release of political prisoners. "It's good that he did not reject what was put forward by me and many other colleagues," Muhyiddin said of the general, who was at the meeting with the other leaders. According to a statement from Brunei, the chair of the group, a consensus was reached on five points - ending violence, a constructive dialogue among all parties, a special ASEAN envoy to facilitate the dialogue, acceptance of aid and a visit by the envoy to Myanmar. "He said he heard us, he would take the points in, which he considered helpful," said Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of the junta chief, according to Channel NewsAsia television. "He was not opposed to ASEAN playing a constructive role, or an ASEAN delegation visit, or humanitarian assistance." But Lee added the process had a long way to go, "because there's one thing to say you'll cease violence and release political prisoners; it's another thing to get it done." There was no immediate comment from Min Aung Hlaing. The ASEAN gathering was the first coordinated international effort to ease the crisis in Myanmar, an impoverished country that neighbours China, India and Thailand. Myanmar is part of the 10-nation ASEAN. The bloc has a policy of consensus decision-making and non-interference in the affairs of its members. It was unusual for the leader of a military government in Myanmar to attend an ASEAN summit - usually the country has been represented by a lower-ranked officer or a civilian. The leaders of Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Brunei were at the meeting, along with the foreign ministers of Laos, Thailand and the Philippines. (With inputs from agencies)

Nations say reach consensus on ending Myanmar crisis at ASEAN meet 

Myanmar's military junta leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, arrived in Jakarta on Saturday for an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit on the crisis in his country.

Myanmar's military junta leader arrives in Jakarta for ASEAN summit

Food insecurity is rising sharply in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;in the wake of the military coup and deepening financial&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;with&nbsp;millions&nbsp;more people expected to go hungry in coming months, the United Nations said on Thursday.

Up to 3.4 million more people will struggle to afford food in the next three to six months with urban areas worst affected as job losses mount in manufacturing, construction and services and food prices rise, a World Food Programme (WFP) analysis shows.

"More and more poor people have lost their jobs and are unable to afford food," country director Stephen Anderson said in a statement.

"A concerted response is required now to alleviate immediate suffering, and to prevent an alarming deterioration in food security."

The WFP said market prices of rice and cooking oil had risen by 5 per cent and 18 per cent respectively since the end of February, with signs that families in the commercial capital of Yangon were skipping meals, eating less nutritious food, and going into debt.

The agency plans to expand operations, tripling to 3.3 million the number of people it assists, and is appealing for $106 million, it said.

A&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;junta spokesman did not immediately answer phone calls to seek comment.

Myanmar’s army seized power from the democratically elected civilian government on Feb.1, plunging the Southeast Asian nation into turmoil and cracking down on mass protests and a nationwide civil disobedience movement with brutal force, killing more than 700 people, a monitoring group said.

The&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;has brought the banking system to a standstill, shuttering many branches, leaving businesses unable to make payments and customers unable to withdraw cash.

Many people depend on remittances from relatives abroad. Most imports and exports have been halted and factories have closed.

The World Bank forecasts&nbsp;Myanmar's GDP to contract 10&nbsp;per cent in 2021, a reversal of previously positive trends.

Before the coup, the WFP said about 2.8 million in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;were considered food insecure.

The coronavirus pandemic took a heavy toll of the economy, which had been growing as it emerged from decades of isolation and financial mismanagement under former military governments.

Food insecurity is rising sharply in Myanmar in the wake of the military coup and deepening financial crisis with millions more people expected to go hungry in coming months, the United Nations said on Thursday.

Food insecurity is rising sharply in Myanmar in the wake of the military coup and deepening financial crisis with millions more people expected to go hungry in coming months, the United Nations said on Thursday. Up to 3.4 million more people will struggle to afford food in the next three to six months with urban areas worst affected as job losses mount in manufacturing, construction and services and food prices rise, a World Food Programme (WFP) analysis shows. "More and more poor people have lost their jobs and are unable to afford food," country director Stephen Anderson said in a statement. "A concerted response is required now to alleviate immediate suffering, and to prevent an alarming deterioration in food security." The WFP said market prices of rice and cooking oil had risen by 5 per cent and 18 per cent respectively since the end of February, with signs that families in the commercial capital of Yangon were skipping meals, eating less nutritious food, and going into debt. The agency plans to expand operations, tripling to 3.3 million the number of people it assists, and is appealing for $106 million, it said. A Myanmar junta spokesman did not immediately answer phone calls to seek comment. Myanmar’s army seized power from the democratically elected civilian government on Feb.1, plunging the Southeast Asian nation into turmoil and cracking down on mass protests and a nationwide civil disobedience movement with brutal force, killing more than 700 people, a monitoring group said. The crisis has brought the banking system to a standstill, shuttering many branches, leaving businesses unable to make payments and customers unable to withdraw cash. Many people depend on remittances from relatives abroad. Most imports and exports have been halted and factories have closed. The World Bank forecasts Myanmar's GDP to contract 10 per cent in 2021, a reversal of previously positive trends. Before the coup, the WFP said about 2.8 million in Myanmar were considered food insecure. The coronavirus pandemic took a heavy toll of the economy, which had been growing as it emerged from decades of isolation and financial mismanagement under former military governments.

Millions face hunger as Myanmar crisis worsens, says United Nations

Myanmar&nbsp;anti-coup activists launched protests on Wednesday, calling for the release of detained prisoners, as&nbsp;Nikkei&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;reported that&nbsp;junta&nbsp;chief General&nbsp;Min&nbsp;Aung&nbsp;Hlaing&nbsp;would&nbsp;attend&nbsp;a regional summit to discuss the crisis in the country.

Spokesman&nbsp;Zaw&nbsp;Min&nbsp;Tun said the&nbsp;military&nbsp;commander would&nbsp;attend&nbsp;the&nbsp;leaders'&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;of the Association of Southeast&nbsp;Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday, the online service of the Japanese news magazine reported.

Reuters could not reach the&nbsp;spokesman&nbsp;for confirmation.

The Southeast&nbsp;Asian country has been in crisis since the&nbsp;military&nbsp;seized power from&nbsp;Aung&nbsp;San Suu Kyi's elected government on February 1, with almost daily protests against the coup despite a lethal crackdown by the&nbsp;junta&nbsp;in which hundreds of people have been killed.

ASEAN&nbsp;has been trying to guide fellow member&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;out of the bloody turmoil triggered by the coup, but the 10-nation group's principles of consensus and non-interference have restricted its ability to overcome members' divergent views on how to respond to the army's killing of hundreds of civilians.

Myanmar's&nbsp;military&nbsp;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.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), an activist group,&nbsp;says&nbsp;738 people have been killed by security forces since the coup and 3,300 people are currently in detention, including 20 who have been sentenced to death.

On Wednesday, people shared photos on social media wearing blue shirts and holding up a hand with the name of an arrested person written on it.

The shirts are a tribute to pro-democracy activist Win Tin who was imprisoned by the&nbsp;military&nbsp;for 19 years and died on April 21, 2014. After his release, he pledged to wear a blue shirt until all political prisoners were freed.

"Please raise your voice and demand the release of all the people who are being unfairly detained under the&nbsp;junta&nbsp;government," protest&nbsp;leader&nbsp;Ei Thinzar Maung&nbsp;said on Facebook.

The&nbsp;junta&nbsp;has released thousands of people from jail since the coup but relatively few have been linked to the protests.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;military-backed television broadcaster MWD reported on Tuesday that the home affairs&nbsp;ministry had declared a National Unity Government (NUG) formed by opponents of the&nbsp;junta&nbsp;as unlawful.

Last week, pro-democracy politicians, including ousted members of parliament, announced the formation of NUG that nominally includes Suu Kyi, who has been in detention since the coup, as well as&nbsp;leaders of the protests and ethnic&nbsp;minorities.

The NUG&nbsp;says&nbsp;it is the legitimate authority in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and has requested international recognition and an invitation to the Jakarta&nbsp;meeting.

'BARBARIC&nbsp;JUNTA'

A grouping of&nbsp;ASEAN&nbsp;lawmakers also said the NUG should be invited.

"ASEAN&nbsp;cannot adequately discuss the situation in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;without hearing from and speaking to the National Unity Government,"&nbsp;ASEAN&nbsp;Parliamentarians for Human Rights said in a statement.

On the invitation to Senior General&nbsp;Min&nbsp;Aung&nbsp;Hlaing, it said: "ASEAN&nbsp;must make it abundantly clear that he is not there as a representative of the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;people, who totally reject his barbaric&nbsp;junta."

Human Rights Watch said the 10-member bloc should immediately withdraw the invitation to the&nbsp;junta's&nbsp;leader.

"Min&nbsp;Aung&nbsp;Hlaing, who faces international sanctions for his role in&nbsp;military&nbsp;atrocities and the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, should not be welcomed at an intergovernmental gathering to address a crisis he created," said Brad Adams,&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;director at Human Rights Watch.

Myanmar anti-coup activists launched protests on Wednesday, calling for the release of detained prisoners, as Nikkei Asia reported that junta chief General Min Aung Hlaing would attend a regional summit to discuss the crisis in the country.

Myanmar anti-coup activists launched protests on Wednesday, calling for the release of detained prisoners, as Nikkei Asia reported that junta chief General Min Aung Hlaing would attend a regional summit to discuss the crisis in the country. Spokesman Zaw Min Tun said the military commander would attend the leaders' meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday, the online service of the Japanese news magazine reported. Reuters could not reach the spokesman for confirmation. The Southeast Asian country has been in crisis since the military seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government on February 1, with almost daily protests against the coup despite a lethal crackdown by the junta in which hundreds of people have been killed. ASEAN has been trying to guide fellow member Myanmar out of the bloody turmoil triggered by the coup, but the 10-nation group's principles of consensus and non-interference have restricted its ability to overcome members' divergent views on how to respond to the army's killing of hundreds of civilians. 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. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), an activist group, says 738 people have been killed by security forces since the coup and 3,300 people are currently in detention, including 20 who have been sentenced to death. On Wednesday, people shared photos on social media wearing blue shirts and holding up a hand with the name of an arrested person written on it. The shirts are a tribute to pro-democracy activist Win Tin who was imprisoned by the military for 19 years and died on April 21, 2014. After his release, he pledged to wear a blue shirt until all political prisoners were freed. "Please raise your voice and demand the release of all the people who are being unfairly detained under the junta government," protest leader Ei Thinzar Maung said on Facebook. The junta has released thousands of people from jail since the coup but relatively few have been linked to the protests. Meanwhile, military-backed television broadcaster MWD reported on Tuesday that the home affairs ministry had declared a National Unity Government (NUG) formed by opponents of the junta as unlawful. Last week, pro-democracy politicians, including ousted members of parliament, announced the formation of NUG that nominally includes Suu Kyi, who has been in detention since the coup, as well as leaders of the protests and ethnic minorities. The NUG says it is the legitimate authority in Myanmar and has requested international recognition and an invitation to the Jakarta meeting. 'BARBARIC JUNTA' A grouping of ASEAN lawmakers also said the NUG should be invited. "ASEAN cannot adequately discuss the situation in Myanmar without hearing from and speaking to the National Unity Government," ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights said in a statement. On the invitation to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, it said: "ASEAN must make it abundantly clear that he is not there as a representative of the Myanmar people, who totally reject his barbaric junta." Human Rights Watch said the 10-member bloc should immediately withdraw the invitation to the junta's leader. "Min Aung Hlaing, who faces international sanctions for his role in military atrocities and the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, should not be welcomed at an intergovernmental gathering to address a crisis he created," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

Myanmar activists hold 'blue shirt' protests; report says junta chief to attend summit

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

Myanmar's neighbours have to negotiate with a newly formed government of national unity if they want to help resolve the turmoil triggered a by a February 1 military coup and they should not recognise the junta, a unity government official said.&nbsp;

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been trying to find a way out of the bloody crisis that has racked member Myanmar since the military ousted an elected government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

The military has shown little willingness to engage with its neighbours and no sign of wanting to talk with the government it ousted.&nbsp;

But in the first hint of progress for the grouping, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing will attend an ASEAN summit in Indonesia on April 24, a Thai government official said on Saturday.&nbsp;

It will be the military chief`s first known foreign trip and meeting with foreign leaders since he seized power. The junta has not commented on the ASEAN meeting. &nbsp;

Moe Zaw Oo, a deputy minister of foreign affairs in a National Unity Government (NUG) set up last week, said ASEAN should not recognise the Myanmar junta.&nbsp;

"If ASEAN is considering action related to Myanmar affairs, I’d like to say it won’t succeed unless it negotiates with the NUG, which is supported by the people and has complete legitimacy," Moe Zaw Oo told Voice of America's Burmese-language service in an interview published on Sunday.&nbsp;

Pro-democracy politicians including ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party announced the formation of the 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.&nbsp;

The NUG has called for international recognition as the legitimate authority and had requested an invitation to the ASEAN meeting in Min Aung Hlaing's place.&nbsp;

"It’s very important that the junta council is not recognised," Moe Zaw Oo told VOA, adding the unity government had not been invited to the meeting in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta.&nbsp;

Myanmar's security forces have killed 730 people in their efforts to end protests against the coup, activist group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners says, drawing condemnation from Western countries and unprecedented criticism from several members of ASEAN despite a bloc principle of not interfering in each other's affairs.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Myanmar's neighbours have to negotiate with a newly formed government of national unity if they want to help resolve the turmoil triggered a by a February 1 military coup and they should not recognise the junta, a unity government official said.

Myanmar's neighbours have to negotiate with a newly formed government of national unity if they want to help resolve the turmoil triggered a by a February 1 military coup and they should not recognise the junta, a unity government official said. The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been trying to find a way out of the bloody crisis that has racked member Myanmar since the military ousted an elected government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi. The military has shown little willingness to engage with its neighbours and no sign of wanting to talk with the government it ousted. But in the first hint of progress for the grouping, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing will attend an ASEAN summit in Indonesia on April 24, a Thai government official said on Saturday. It will be the military chief`s first known foreign trip and meeting with foreign leaders since he seized power. The junta has not commented on the ASEAN meeting. Moe Zaw Oo, a deputy minister of foreign affairs in a National Unity Government (NUG) set up last week, said ASEAN should not recognise the Myanmar junta. "If ASEAN is considering action related to Myanmar affairs, I’d like to say it won’t succeed unless it negotiates with the NUG, which is supported by the people and has complete legitimacy," Moe Zaw Oo told Voice of America's Burmese-language service in an interview published on Sunday. Pro-democracy politicians including ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party announced the formation of the 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 has called for international recognition as the legitimate authority and had requested an invitation to the ASEAN meeting in Min Aung Hlaing's place. "It’s very important that the junta council is not recognised," Moe Zaw Oo told VOA, adding the unity government had not been invited to the meeting in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. Myanmar's security forces have killed 730 people in their efforts to end protests against the coup, activist group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners says, drawing condemnation from Western countries and unprecedented criticism from several members of ASEAN despite a bloc principle of not interfering in each other's affairs. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar unity government says it must be part of any ASEAN bid to end crisis 

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

Anti-coup protestors in Myanmar splashed red paint on the street in Yangon on Sunday, symbolizing the blood shed by military junta since security forces began a lethal crackdown to suppress their movement.

Myanmar activists splash red paint in Yangon to mark junta bloodshed

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's Ambassador to the United Nations, Kyaw Moe Tun, speaks to Susan M. Tehrani on Beijing's role in the military coup, prevailing anti-China sentiment in the country, and the road ahead.

WION Exclusive | The Interview: Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar's Ambassador to the UN

Opponents of military rule in Myanmar splashed the colour red on Wednesday, the second day of the traditional new year holiday, in the latest phase of their campaign to restore democracy. 
 
Activists called for what they dubbed a bloody paint strike and people responded with red smeared on roads, on signs outside government offices and on T-shirts, according to pictures posted on social media. 
 
Some people marched with signs calling for the release of the leader of the ousted government, Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. She has been detained since the Feb. 1 coup on various charges including violating an official secrets act that could see her imprisoned for 14 years. 
 
Her lawyers have denied the charges against her. 
 
"Please save our leader - future - hope," read a sign with a picture of Suu Kyi held by a young woman marching in the second city of Mandalay, according to a picture published by the Mizzima news service. 
 
The five-day New Year holiday, known as Thingyan, began on Tuesday but pro-democracy activists cancelled the usual festivities, which include high-spirited water throwing in the streets, to focus on their campaign against the generals who seized power. 
 
The military says the protests are petering out. Activists have planned different shows of defiance every day over the holiday, which ends on Saturday. 
 
The coup has plunged Myanmar into crisis after 10 years of tentative steps toward democracy with daily protests and strikes by workers in many sectors that have brought the economy to a standstill. 
 
The United Nations human rights office said on Tuesday it feared that the military clampdown on the protests risked escalating into a civil conflict like that seen in Syria and appealed for a halt to the "slaughter". 
 
A Myanmar activist group, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, says the security forces have killed 710 protesters since the ouster of Suu Kyi`s government. 
 
The coup has also rekindled hostilities in old wars between the military and ethnic minority forces fighting for autonomy in border regions. 
 
Government forces suffered heavy casualties in an assault on ethnic Kachin forces in the north, the Myanmar Now media group reported. 
 
A spokesman for the junta could not be reached for comment.

Opponents of military rule in Myanmar splashed the colour red on Wednesday, the second day of the traditional new year holiday, in the latest phase of their campaign to restore democracy.

Opponents of military rule in Myanmar splashed the colour red on Wednesday, the second day of the traditional new year holiday, in the latest phase of their campaign to restore democracy. Activists called for what they dubbed a bloody paint strike and people responded with red smeared on roads, on signs outside government offices and on T-shirts, according to pictures posted on social media. Some people marched with signs calling for the release of the leader of the ousted government, Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. She has been detained since the Feb. 1 coup on various charges including violating an official secrets act that could see her imprisoned for 14 years. Her lawyers have denied the charges against her. "Please save our leader - future - hope," read a sign with a picture of Suu Kyi held by a young woman marching in the second city of Mandalay, according to a picture published by the Mizzima news service. The five-day New Year holiday, known as Thingyan, began on Tuesday but pro-democracy activists cancelled the usual festivities, which include high-spirited water throwing in the streets, to focus on their campaign against the generals who seized power. The military says the protests are petering out. Activists have planned different shows of defiance every day over the holiday, which ends on Saturday. The coup has plunged Myanmar into crisis after 10 years of tentative steps toward democracy with daily protests and strikes by workers in many sectors that have brought the economy to a standstill. The United Nations human rights office said on Tuesday it feared that the military clampdown on the protests risked escalating into a civil conflict like that seen in Syria and appealed for a halt to the "slaughter". A Myanmar activist group, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, says the security forces have killed 710 protesters since the ouster of Suu Kyi`s government. The coup has also rekindled hostilities in old wars between the military and ethnic minority forces fighting for autonomy in border regions. Government forces suffered heavy casualties in an assault on ethnic Kachin forces in the north, the Myanmar Now media group reported. A spokesman for the junta could not be reached for comment.

Myanmar activists stage 'bloody' protests against military

The United Nations human rights office said on Tuesday it fears that the military clampdown on protests in Myanmar since the February 1 coup risks escalating into a civil conflict like that seen in Syria and appealed for a halt to the 'slaughter'.&nbsp;

UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet said in a statement 3,080 had been detained and there are reports that 23 people have been sentenced to death following secret trials.&nbsp;

"I fear the situation in Myanmar is heading towards a full-blown conflict. States must not allow the deadly mistakes of the past in Syria and elsewhere to be repeated," Bachelet said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, opponents of military rule in Myanmar cancelled traditional new year festivities on Tuesday and instead showed their anger with the generals who seized power through low-key displays of defiance and small protests across the country.&nbsp;

A Myanmar activist group, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, says the security forces have killed 710 protesters since the ouster of an elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

Protesters were out again on the first day of the five-day New Year holiday, known as Thingyan, which is usually celebrated with prayers, ritual cleaning of Buddha images in temples and high-spirited water-dousing on the streets.&nbsp;

"We do not celebrate Myanmar Thingyan this year since over 700 of our innocent brave souls have been killed," said one Twitter user named Shwe Ei.&nbsp;

Women wearing fine clothes for the most important holiday of the year protested in several towns holding traditional pots containing seven flowers and sprigs that are displayed at this time, media pictures showed.&nbsp;

Many people painted the protesters' three-finger salute on their Thingyan pots.&nbsp;

"People's power, our power," women marching on a street in the main city of Yangon chanted as passersby clapped, video posted by the Myanmar Now media group showed.&nbsp;

In some places, people set out dozens of Thingyan pots daubed with messages such as 'Save Myanmar' in silent shows of opposition to the military.&nbsp;

There were no immediate reports of violence at any of the protests but information has become scarce because of the junta's curbs on broadband internet and mobile data services.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United Nations human rights office said on Tuesday it fears that the military clampdown on protests in Myanmar since the February 1 coup risks escalating into a civil conflict like that seen in Syria and appealed for a halt to the 'slaughter'.

The United Nations human rights office said on Tuesday it fears that the military clampdown on protests in Myanmar since the February 1 coup risks escalating into a civil conflict like that seen in Syria and appealed for a halt to the 'slaughter'. UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet said in a statement 3,080 had been detained and there are reports that 23 people have been sentenced to death following secret trials. "I fear the situation in Myanmar is heading towards a full-blown conflict. States must not allow the deadly mistakes of the past in Syria and elsewhere to be repeated," Bachelet said. Meanwhile, opponents of military rule in Myanmar cancelled traditional new year festivities on Tuesday and instead showed their anger with the generals who seized power through low-key displays of defiance and small protests across the country. A Myanmar activist group, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, says the security forces have killed 710 protesters since the ouster of an elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Protesters were out again on the first day of the five-day New Year holiday, known as Thingyan, which is usually celebrated with prayers, ritual cleaning of Buddha images in temples and high-spirited water-dousing on the streets. "We do not celebrate Myanmar Thingyan this year since over 700 of our innocent brave souls have been killed," said one Twitter user named Shwe Ei. Women wearing fine clothes for the most important holiday of the year protested in several towns holding traditional pots containing seven flowers and sprigs that are displayed at this time, media pictures showed. Many people painted the protesters' three-finger salute on their Thingyan pots. "People's power, our power," women marching on a street in the main city of Yangon chanted as passersby clapped, video posted by the Myanmar Now media group showed. In some places, people set out dozens of Thingyan pots daubed with messages such as 'Save Myanmar' in silent shows of opposition to the military. There were no immediate reports of violence at any of the protests but information has become scarce because of the junta's curbs on broadband internet and mobile data services. (With inputs from agencies)

UN rights chief sees Syria repeating in Myanmar, calls for halt to 'slaughter' 

Myanmar pro-democracy activists pledged on Tuesday to hold a series of protests this week to maintain pressure on military rulers during the country`s most important holiday of the year. 
 
The five-day New Year holidays, known as Thingyan, are usually celebrated with prayers, ritual cleaning of Buddha images in temples, and high-spirited water-throwing on the streets. 
 
Activists urged people this year to stage symbolic protests from the start of the holiday on Tuesday, including by painting a three-finger salute used by demonstrators on traditional Thingyan pots filled with flowers, which are typically displayed at this time. 
 
"The military council doesn`t own Thingyan. The power of people is in the hands of people," Ei Thinzar Maung, a leader of the General Strike Collaboration Committee protest group, wrote on Facebook. 
 
Ei Thinzar Maung said other planned holiday protests against the junta included the splattering of red paint on sidewalks and the blasting of car horns. 
 
Activists also called for a day of silence to commemorate the victims of the violence and for a day of religious observance on Saturday, with Buddhists urged to wear religious attire and recite prayers together and Christian communities to wear white and read psalms. Followers of other religions in the predominantly Buddhist country were urged to follow the call of their leaders. 
 
It will be the second consecutive disrupted new year holiday after the coronavirus pandemic all but cancelled last year`s celebrations. 
 
The Feb. 1 coup has plunged Myanmar into crisis after 10 years of tentative steps towards democracy as the military stepped back from politics and allowed Aung San Suu Kyi to form a government after her party swept a 2015 election. 
 
The military says it had to overthrow her government because a November election again won by her National League for Democracy was rigged. The election commission dismissed the accusation. 
 
The coup has triggered daily protests by those opposed to military rule, but at a heavy price, with security forces killing 710 protesters, according to a tally by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group. 
 
That included 82 people killed in the town of Bago, about 70 km (45 miles) northeast of Yangon, on Friday. 
 
Details of the violence were difficult to verify because of the junta`s curbs on broadband internet and mobile data services. 
 
A spokesman for the junta could not be reached for comment. 
 
Suu Kyi, 75, who has led Myanmar`s struggle against military rule for decades and who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, has been detained since the coup and charged with various offences. These include violating a colonial-era official secrets act that could see her jailed for 14 years. 
 
"We do not celebrate Myanmar Thingyan this year since over 700 of our innocent brave souls are killed by inhumane junta forces unlawfully. We believe we will win this revolution," said one Twitter user identified as Shwe Ei.

Myanmar pro-democracy activists pledged on Tuesday to hold a series of protests this week to maintain pressure on military rulers during the country`s most important holiday of the year.

Myanmar pro-democracy activists pledged on Tuesday to hold a series of protests this week to maintain pressure on military rulers during the country`s most important holiday of the year. The five-day New Year holidays, known as Thingyan, are usually celebrated with prayers, ritual cleaning of Buddha images in temples, and high-spirited water-throwing on the streets. Activists urged people this year to stage symbolic protests from the start of the holiday on Tuesday, including by painting a three-finger salute used by demonstrators on traditional Thingyan pots filled with flowers, which are typically displayed at this time. "The military council doesn`t own Thingyan. The power of people is in the hands of people," Ei Thinzar Maung, a leader of the General Strike Collaboration Committee protest group, wrote on Facebook. Ei Thinzar Maung said other planned holiday protests against the junta included the splattering of red paint on sidewalks and the blasting of car horns. Activists also called for a day of silence to commemorate the victims of the violence and for a day of religious observance on Saturday, with Buddhists urged to wear religious attire and recite prayers together and Christian communities to wear white and read psalms. Followers of other religions in the predominantly Buddhist country were urged to follow the call of their leaders. It will be the second consecutive disrupted new year holiday after the coronavirus pandemic all but cancelled last year`s celebrations. The Feb. 1 coup has plunged Myanmar into crisis after 10 years of tentative steps towards democracy as the military stepped back from politics and allowed Aung San Suu Kyi to form a government after her party swept a 2015 election. The military says it had to overthrow her government because a November election again won by her National League for Democracy was rigged. The election commission dismissed the accusation. The coup has triggered daily protests by those opposed to military rule, but at a heavy price, with security forces killing 710 protesters, according to a tally by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group. That included 82 people killed in the town of Bago, about 70 km (45 miles) northeast of Yangon, on Friday. Details of the violence were difficult to verify because of the junta`s curbs on broadband internet and mobile data services. A spokesman for the junta could not be reached for comment. Suu Kyi, 75, who has led Myanmar`s struggle against military rule for decades and who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, has been detained since the coup and charged with various offences. These include violating a colonial-era official secrets act that could see her jailed for 14 years. "We do not celebrate Myanmar Thingyan this year since over 700 of our innocent brave souls are killed by inhumane junta forces unlawfully. We believe we will win this revolution," said one Twitter user identified as Shwe Ei.

Myanmar activists vow week of protests during new year holidays

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.

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.

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

The European Union's top diplomat said on Sunday, Russia and China were hampering a united international response to Myanmar's military coup and that the EU could offer more economic incentives if democracy returns to the country.&nbsp;

"It comes as no surprise that Russia and China are blocking the attempts of the UN Security Council, for example to impose an arms embargo," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a blog post.&nbsp;

"Geopolitical competition in Myanmar will make it very difficult to find common ground," said Borrell, who speaks on behalf of the 27 EU member states. "But we have a duty to try."&nbsp;

Borrell said security forces have killed more than 550 unarmed protesters, including 46 children, in a bloody crackdown since the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in a February 1 coup. &nbsp;

"The world watches in horror, as the army uses violence against its own people," he said.&nbsp;

China and Russia both have ties to Myanmar's armed forces, as the first and second largest suppliers of weapons to the country, respectively.&nbsp;

The UN Security Council last week called for the release of Suu Kyi and others detained by the military but stopped short of condemning the coup.&nbsp;

The EU is preparing fresh sanctions on individuals and companies owned by the Myanmar military. The bloc in March agreed a first set of sanctions on 11 individuals linked to the coup, including the commander-in-chief of the military.&nbsp;

While EU economic leverage in the country is relatively small, Borrell said the EU could offer to increase its economic ties with Myanmar if democracy is restored. That could include more trade and investments in sustainable development, he said.&nbsp;

EU foreign direct investment in Myanmar totalled $700 million in 2019, compared with $19 billion from China.&nbsp;

The military says it staged the coup because a November election won by Suu Kyi’s party was rigged. The election commission has dismissed the assertion.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The European Union's top diplomat said on Sunday, Russia and China were hampering a united international response to Myanmar's military coup and that the EU could offer more economic incentives if democracy returns to the country.

The European Union's top diplomat said on Sunday, Russia and China were hampering a united international response to Myanmar's military coup and that the EU could offer more economic incentives if democracy returns to the country. "It comes as no surprise that Russia and China are blocking the attempts of the UN Security Council, for example to impose an arms embargo," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a blog post. "Geopolitical competition in Myanmar will make it very difficult to find common ground," said Borrell, who speaks on behalf of the 27 EU member states. "But we have a duty to try." Borrell said security forces have killed more than 550 unarmed protesters, including 46 children, in a bloody crackdown since the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in a February 1 coup. "The world watches in horror, as the army uses violence against its own people," he said. China and Russia both have ties to Myanmar's armed forces, as the first and second largest suppliers of weapons to the country, respectively. The UN Security Council last week called for the release of Suu Kyi and others detained by the military but stopped short of condemning the coup. The EU is preparing fresh sanctions on individuals and companies owned by the Myanmar military. The bloc in March agreed a first set of sanctions on 11 individuals linked to the coup, including the commander-in-chief of the military. While EU economic leverage in the country is relatively small, Borrell said the EU could offer to increase its economic ties with Myanmar if democracy is restored. That could include more trade and investments in sustainable development, he said. EU foreign direct investment in Myanmar totalled $700 million in 2019, compared with $19 billion from China. The military says it staged the coup because a November election won by Suu Kyi’s party was rigged. The election commission has dismissed the assertion. (With inputs from agencies)

China, Russia undermine international Myanmar response: EU's top diplomat  

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 junta said on Friday that a protest campaign against its rule was dwindling since people wanted peace, and that it would hold elections within two years, the first timeframe it has given for a return to democracy since its Feb. 1 coup.

Troops fired rifle grenades at anti-coup protesters on Friday in the town of Bago, near the main city Yangon, witnesses and news reports said. At least 10 people were killed and their bodies piled up in the corner of a pagoda, they said.

Myanmar Now news and Mawkun, an online news magazine, said at least 20 people were killed and many wounded. It was not possible to get a precise toll because troops had cordoned off the area near the pagoda, they said.

Junta spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told a news conference in the capital, Naypyitaw, that the country was returning to normal and government ministries and banks would resume full operations soon.

More than 600 people have been killed by security forces cracking down on protests against the coup, according to an activist group. The country has ground to a standstill because of the protest campaign and widespread strikes against military rule.

"The reason of reducing protests is due to cooperation of people who want peace, which we value," Zaw Min Tun said. "We request people to cooperate with security forces and help them."

He said the military had recorded 248 deaths and he denied that automatic weapons had been used. Sixteen policemen had also been killed, he said.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group has said 614 people, including 48 children, had been killed by security forces since the coup, as of Thursday evening. More than 2,800 were in detention, it said.

"We are humbled by their courage and dignity," a group of 18 ambassadors in the country said of the protesters in a joint statement.

"We stand together to support the hopes and aspirations of all those who believe in a free, just, peaceful and democratic Myanmar. Violence has to stop, all political detainees must be released and democracy must be restored."

The statement was signed by the ambassadors of the United States, Britain, the EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland and several other European nations.

"The suggestions from neighbouring countries and big countries and powerful people in politics, we respect them," Zaw Min Tun said. He also accused members of deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy of arson and said the protest campaign was being financed by foreign money, but gave no details.

Suu Kyi and many of her party colleagues have been in custody since the coup.

Zaw Min Tun said reports that some members of the international community did not recognise the military government were "fake news".

"We are cooperating with foreign countries and working together with neighbouring countries," the spokesman said.

The United Nations special envoy for Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, had wanted to visit the country but said she has been rebuffed by the generals.

She said on Friday she had arrived in Bangkok, the capital of neighbouring Thailand.

"I regret that Tatmadaw answered me yesterday that they are not ready to receive me," Schraner Burgener said on her official Twitter account, referring to the Myanmar military. "I am ready for dialogue. Violence never leads to peaceful sustainable solutions."

Myanmar's junta said on Friday that a protest campaign against its rule was dwindling since people wanted peace, and that it would hold elections within two years, the first timeframe it has given for a return to democracy since its Feb.

Myanmar's junta said on Friday that a protest campaign against its rule was dwindling since people wanted peace, and that it would hold elections within two years, the first timeframe it has given for a return to democracy since its Feb. 1 coup. Troops fired rifle grenades at anti-coup protesters on Friday in the town of Bago, near the main city Yangon, witnesses and news reports said. At least 10 people were killed and their bodies piled up in the corner of a pagoda, they said. Myanmar Now news and Mawkun, an online news magazine, said at least 20 people were killed and many wounded. It was not possible to get a precise toll because troops had cordoned off the area near the pagoda, they said. Junta spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told a news conference in the capital, Naypyitaw, that the country was returning to normal and government ministries and banks would resume full operations soon. More than 600 people have been killed by security forces cracking down on protests against the coup, according to an activist group. The country has ground to a standstill because of the protest campaign and widespread strikes against military rule. "The reason of reducing protests is due to cooperation of people who want peace, which we value," Zaw Min Tun said. "We request people to cooperate with security forces and help them." He said the military had recorded 248 deaths and he denied that automatic weapons had been used. Sixteen policemen had also been killed, he said. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group has said 614 people, including 48 children, had been killed by security forces since the coup, as of Thursday evening. More than 2,800 were in detention, it said. "We are humbled by their courage and dignity," a group of 18 ambassadors in the country said of the protesters in a joint statement. "We stand together to support the hopes and aspirations of all those who believe in a free, just, peaceful and democratic Myanmar. Violence has to stop, all political detainees must be released and democracy must be restored." The statement was signed by the ambassadors of the United States, Britain, the EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland and several other European nations. "The suggestions from neighbouring countries and big countries and powerful people in politics, we respect them," Zaw Min Tun said. He also accused members of deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy of arson and said the protest campaign was being financed by foreign money, but gave no details. Suu Kyi and many of her party colleagues have been in custody since the coup. Zaw Min Tun said reports that some members of the international community did not recognise the military government were "fake news". "We are cooperating with foreign countries and working together with neighbouring countries," the spokesman said. The United Nations special envoy for Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, had wanted to visit the country but said she has been rebuffed by the generals. She said on Friday she had arrived in Bangkok, the capital of neighbouring Thailand. "I regret that Tatmadaw answered me yesterday that they are not ready to receive me," Schraner Burgener said on her official Twitter account, referring to the Myanmar military. "I am ready for dialogue. Violence never leads to peaceful sustainable solutions."

Myanmar military sentences 19 to death, says anti-coup protests dwindling

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

An alliance of ethnic armies in Myanmar that has opposed the junta's crackdown on anti-coup protests attacked a police station in the east on Saturday and at least 10 policemen were killed, domestic media said.&nbsp;

The police station at Naungmon in Shan state was attacked early in the morning by fighters from an alliance that includes the Arakan Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, media reported.&nbsp;

Shan News said at least 10 policemen were killed, while the Shwe Phee Myay news outlet put the death toll at 14.&nbsp;

A spokesman for the junta did not return calls asking for comment.&nbsp;

More than 600 people have been killed by the military in the crackdown on protests against the February 1 coup, according to a monitoring group. As violence has escalated, about a dozen armed groups have condemned the junta as illegitimate and vowed to stand with the protesters.&nbsp;

Civilian lawmakers, most of whom are in hiding after their ouster, have announced plans to form a "national unity government" - with key roles for ethnic leaders - and are holding online talks about joint resistance to the military junta.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Nineteen people have been sentenced to death in Myanmar for killing an associate of an army captain, the military owned Myawaddy TV station said on Friday, the first such sentences announced in public since the coup and crackdown on protesters.&nbsp;

The report said the killing took place on March 27 in the North Okkalapa district of Yangon, Myanmar's biggest city. Martial law has been declared in the district, allowing courts martial to pronounce sentences.&nbsp;

The military rulers, who overthrew an elected government said on Friday that a protest campaign against its rule was dwindling because people wanted peace, and that it would hold elections within two years, the first timeframe it has given for a return to democracy.&nbsp;

Troops fired rifle grenades at anti-coup protesters on Friday in the town of Bago, near Yangon, witnesses and news reports said. At least 10 people were killed and their bodies piled up inside a pagoda, they said.&nbsp;

Myanmar Now news and Mawkun, an online news magazine, said at least 20 people were killed and many wounded. It was not possible to get a precise toll because troops had cordoned off the area near the pagoda, they said.&nbsp;

Junta spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told a news conference in the capital, Naypyitaw, that the country was returning to normal and government ministries and banks would resume full operations soon. &nbsp;

More than 600 people have been killed by security forces cracking down on protests against the coup, according to an activist group. The country has ground to a standstill because of the protests and widespread strikes against military rule.&nbsp;

An alliance of ethnic armies in Myanmar that has opposed the junta's crackdown on anti-coup protests attacked a police station in the east on Saturday and at least 10 policemen were killed, domestic media said.

An alliance of ethnic armies in Myanmar that has opposed the junta's crackdown on anti-coup protests attacked a police station in the east on Saturday and at least 10 policemen were killed, domestic media said. The police station at Naungmon in Shan state was attacked early in the morning by fighters from an alliance that includes the Arakan Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, media reported. Shan News said at least 10 policemen were killed, while the Shwe Phee Myay news outlet put the death toll at 14. A spokesman for the junta did not return calls asking for comment. More than 600 people have been killed by the military in the crackdown on protests against the February 1 coup, according to a monitoring group. As violence has escalated, about a dozen armed groups have condemned the junta as illegitimate and vowed to stand with the protesters. Civilian lawmakers, most of whom are in hiding after their ouster, have announced plans to form a "national unity government" - with key roles for ethnic leaders - and are holding online talks about joint resistance to the military junta. Meanwhile, Nineteen people have been sentenced to death in Myanmar for killing an associate of an army captain, the military owned Myawaddy TV station said on Friday, the first such sentences announced in public since the coup and crackdown on protesters. The report said the killing took place on March 27 in the North Okkalapa district of Yangon, Myanmar's biggest city. Martial law has been declared in the district, allowing courts martial to pronounce sentences. The military rulers, who overthrew an elected government said on Friday that a protest campaign against its rule was dwindling because people wanted peace, and that it would hold elections within two years, the first timeframe it has given for a return to democracy. Troops fired rifle grenades at anti-coup protesters on Friday in the town of Bago, near Yangon, witnesses and news reports said. At least 10 people were killed and their bodies piled up inside a pagoda, they said. Myanmar Now news and Mawkun, an online news magazine, said at least 20 people were killed and many wounded. It was not possible to get a precise toll because troops had cordoned off the area near the pagoda, they said. Junta spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told a news conference in the capital, Naypyitaw, that the country was returning to normal and government ministries and banks would resume full operations soon. More than 600 people have been killed by security forces cracking down on protests against the coup, according to an activist group. The country has ground to a standstill because of the protests and widespread strikes against military rule.

10 Myanmar policemen killed in attack by ethnic armies opposed to junta: Report 

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