Protests condemning military coups and forced suppression by police continued throughout Myanmar.
In the midst of this, rumors that the military will declare martial law sooner or later are spreading at a rapid pace, increasing tensions.
According to local media and foreign media, from the morning of the 6th, a large-scale coup was condemned in various places including Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, and Mandalay, the second city of Myanmar.
State media reported that “government officials who do not return to work from the 8th will be expelled,” but public officials such as teachers and state-run railroad workers were present at the protest site.
Police fired tear gas from various places to disperse the protesters, and in Yangon, they even used flash grenades.
The day before in Mandalay, police fired at protesters, and a 20-year-old man watching was shot dead in the neck.
According to UN data, at least 55 people have been killed in military and police shooting at protesters after the coup on the 1st of last month.
In a safety notice yesterday, the Korean Embassy in Myanmar said, “Unconfirmed rumors are rapidly circulating that martial law accompanying 24-hour Internet blocking and power cut measures will soon be proclaimed.”
In addition, he said, “The diplomatic mission, the UN office, and the media are aware of the rumors, but they have a common opinion that they cannot be confirmed.”
Meanwhile, authorities in Myanmar have made an official request to Indian authorities to repatriate eight police officers who have fled to India, saying they cannot follow the orders of the military government, Reuters said.
Reuters reported that after the coup, some 30 Myanmar police officers and their families had fled across the border.