Demonstrations continued against military coup in Myanmar on Monday. Huge crowds packed streets in several towns and cities as they were warned of ‘loss of life’ if they confronted security forces.
In a statement on Sunday the military said it could use lethal force against protesters.
“It is found that protesters have raised their incitement towards riot and anarchy mob on the day of 22 February. Protesters are now inciting the people, especially emotional teenagers and youths, to a confrontation path where they will suffer the loss of life,” the State Administration Council declared on state broadcaster MRTV.
The military installed barbed wires blocking roads to some foreign embassies in the largest city, Yangon, the focus point for many recent protests.
Protesters called for all offices and shops to be closed on Monday, with activists urging all citizens to join the protest, known as the “Five Twos” in reference to Monday’s date.
The brutal police violence over the weekend which resulted in death of at least two protesters has triggered anger towards the junta. More and more people have been taking part in civil disobedience campaigns against the coup, demanding democracy and release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The "Two Five" general strike against the military rule on 22.2.2021 are growing hour by hour in the downtown Yangon marked by ancient Sule Pagoda. #2Fivegeneralstrike #WhatIsHappeningInMyanmar pic.twitter.com/ClwDvxk36q
— Myanmar Now (@Myanmar_Now_Eng) February 22, 2021
Day 22 Myanmar Military Coup.
Millions of Citizens from Whole Myanmar peacefully protest on the streets .
We deserve Democracy and we want our Human Rights.
Please stand with us , the world.#WhatIsHappeningInMyanmar #Feb22Coup pic.twitter.com/xTF9T8FDTF— Htoo Paing Zaw Oo (@KoHtooPaing) February 22, 2021