Conflicts & War

Messages of peace and resistance mark Myanmar New Year

Bangkok Desk, Apr 13 (EFE).- With messages calling for peace and resistance to the violence and repression unleashed by the military junta that took power on Feb. 1, people across Myanmar marked their traditional New Year on Tuesday.

“Fight for democracy,” “We support CDM (civil disobedience movement) heroes” and “Reject military coup” are some of the phrases written on ceramic flower pots that serve to welcome the new year.

The little pots, accompanied by bouquets of flowers, were also carried by lines of marchers in various cities of the country where peaceful protests against the military continue.

The festive atmosphere of other years, with huge water fights throughout the country, is this year held under a tense climate that urges the military to restore democracy.

“This year, Thingyan (as the date is known in the country) is a Revolutionary Festival for us,” wrote one person on Twitter.

“Free our leaders,” “We want justice” and “Save Myanmar” are other messages on vases in front of a home in Yangon, the former capital and most populous city in the country.

At least 710 people have been killed by the security forces since the coup, according to figures verified by the Association for the Assistance of Political Prisoners (AAPP).

The independent entity adds that this data is provisional as it continues to verify information and that the real number of fatalities is probably much higher.

The AAPP also reports that at least 3,080 people are detained, including the deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with whom the courts have charged with six offenses since the coup.

The military justifies the coup alleging fraud in the November election, in which Suu Kyi’s party won by a landslide, and which was deemed legitimate by international observers. EFE

nc/tw

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