Myanmar’s 100‑Day Revolution: Voices Unleashed
Just over a month ago, the country’s streets simmered with anger. Twenty‑five protesters were up and down from Yangon to Hpakant, defying the military with gestures, chants and daring flash protests that made the junta’s security forces work overtime just to stay in line.
Why the uprising matters
- “Yangon strikes for complete removal of the enemy” – the banner that lit up the city’s main boulevard.
- “The revolution must prevail” – the chant that echoed through Hpakant’s rice fields.
- “People’s Defence Force” – a new force backed by the National Unity Government (NUG).
What’s happening on the ground
From motorcycle convoys that skidded past checkpoints to 3‑finger signals tossed into the air, protesters pulled every trick in the book to stay ahead of the army’s eyes. “We’re not just shouting for the end of the junta,” a Yangon demonstrator said, “We’re forging the future on our own terms!”
In support of the NUG
The NUG has rallied support across every state, with banners purporting to be the “legitimate authority” of Myanmar. Dr. Sasa, the head of the parallel government, told a Twitter audience last week that the NUG would be meeting a U.S. Assistant Secretary on Tuesday. The goal: sketch out a joint plan to end Myanmar’s living nightmare.
The State Department has yet to confirm the meeting, leaving the world hanging on to every new WhatsApp post. In the meantime, 100 days into the coup, the people keep dancing in street corners, striking out slogans that have become the new national anthem.
Remembering the original democratic triumph
Only hours after the junta’s seizure, elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi was taken into custody. The regime claimed it was shielding the country from a “fraud‑rumpled” November election. Suu Kyi’s party defends the landslide victory as a genuine milestone in Myanmar’s democratic journey.
International crimes
Myanmar’s Chaos: Who’s Holding the Cross‑Ethnic Barrel?
New Report: Every Soldier Should Face the Music
The National Unity Government (NUG) dropped a message on Tuesday that’s louder than a marching band: every rank‑and‑file soldier has to admit that the country’s recorded a string of international crimes.
“It’s time to decide whether you’re going to stand for human rights or keep whipping the people till you’re summoned to the International Court,” the NUG said, like a stern teacher handing out a final exam.
Sanctions Aren’t Enough (yet)
While the U.S., EU, and a few others slapped the junta with budget‑tightening measures, the military’s still standing tall. Ironically, China—a big investor and a UN Security Council member—seems to be providing a secret “support badge” behind it.
What’s Happening on the Ground?
- Last week’s protests erupted into sporadic clashes.
- Military capo snipers allegedly took out “admin” folks who were once friends.
- Mini‑bombs nailed the air—stank of homemade gear, blamed by the junta on the ousted leaders. The NUG says it’s a cover‑up, stirring another narrative.
“Terrorists” Take Out Security Forces
According to state media, the MRTV said two security guys died, and three got wounded on Monday, being “killed by terrorists” in Sagaing.
Meanwhile, a group calling itself the Sagaing People Defence Force claimed they were the culprits, claiming three people were hit in the same region. Who is doing what? You’ll still need a detective to figure it out.
Media & Internet: The Silence is Loud
Since the coup, reporting in Myanmar has been locked up tighter than a midnight lockbox.
- Internet restrictions hit like a Kryptonite bat‑ball.
- Foreign broadcasts banned, and journalists ordered to “close shop” if they “incite rebellion.”
Humanitarian Numbers (Suga)
The Association for Political Prisoners, working with the UN, reports the following:
- 781 people killed, including 52 children (so the army should re‑think the “child‑friendly” slogan).
- 3,843 people are being held in detention.
UN “Step‐Up” Call
UN’s human rights arm’s spokesperson, Rupert Colville, blasted the military’s relentless push for power: “Their raises are too much for the people’s heads. There’s a stronger international pitch required to keep mortgaging Myanmar’s humanity.”
In a nutshell: The junta is still making strides, but external forces and market forces are nudging it harder. Any idea of a real end? Time will tell—may we ever see a calm in that chaos!
