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PEC expresses concern over complete internet shut down in Myanmar
N.J. Thakuria,Geneva/Guwahati, 15 February 2021: After the military coup in Myanmar on 1 February, the junta has now cut down internet services across the south-east Asian country from Monday seemingly to start an aggressive military action against millions of pro-democracy Burmese protesters and thus put their securities in danger, said Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a Switzerland-based media watchdog.
Local sources in Myanmar (earlier known as Burma) confirmed that the military generals have deployed armed personnel across the country as anti-coup protest-demonstrations continued to hit the streets. After arresting Nobel laureate pro-democracy icon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi along with hundred others, the military authority has imposed the near-total internet shutdown in the country.
“Myanmar based journalists have faced a major challenge to perform their duties in newfound restrictions under the military rule. It seems the military generals have declared an undeclared war against their own people. The development will only ruin the prospect of Myanmar emerging as a sustained multi-party democracy,” commented Blaise Lempen, secretary-general of PEC www.pressemblem.ch
The military authority under senior general Min Aung Hlaing earlier temporarily restricted fixed telephone lines, mobile services, internet connections in different parts of Myanmar and later it was restored in staggering manners. Armored vehicles were seen in several places including its present capital Naypyidaw, former capital Yangon, ancient capital Mandalay, etc. Reports are pouring about military accesses against the protesters.
“Lately the top general Hlaing, who is dreaming of becoming the Presidential, announced that he would arrange free and fair general elections after the completion of one year emergency period. But not subscribing to his promises, many journalists now seek to leave Myanmar for their neighboring nations like Thailand, India, Bangladesh, etc,” revealed Nava Thakuria, PEC’s India representative with an additional responsibility on Myanmar.
International reactions remain spontaneous. The UN Human Rights Council on Friday adopted unanimously a resolution calling for the state of emergency to be lifted and for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained in Myanmar. US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the nation and agreed in resolving that the rule of law and the democratic process should be upheld urgently in the country of golden pagodas.
