Military junta threatens consequences for anyone joining Feb 1 silent strike

January 29, 2022

HURFOM: In order to mark the anniversary of the military coup in Burma, there are plans for a silent strike.

To show opposition to the military coup, shops will be closed, people will stay at home, and the streets will be silent and empty from 10 am to 4 pm on February 1, 2022.

The initiative is becoming popular, triggering the military junta to attempt to stop the campaign.

Patrol cars equipped with loudspeakers are on the streets in all ten townships within Mon State, threatening consequences for those who participate.

The junta is recording names of shop owners in Mawlamyine and pressuring them to sign documents guaranteeing they will operate their shops on February 1.

“The security forces in civilian clothes have been watching the shops in Mawlamyine. They ask for the names of shop owners without giving any reason. Then, they make them sign a document promising they will not close their shops on February 1,” said a man from Mawlamyine.

The military junta is threatening that if people participate in the silent strike, they will be charged under the Anti Terrorist Act as well as the Burmese Criminal Code and their belongings will be seized.

“I’ve also heard that the junta has patrol cars making announcements of prohibitions and consequences in Kyaikmayaw,” reported one news source.

A silent strike was held on International Human Rights Day, December 10, 2021 which received significant attention from the international community.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News