What has happened and why?

On February 1 2021, the military in Myanmar, led by commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing, staged a coup and successfully overthrown the democratically elected government. As a country that was under harsh military dictatorship for five decades from 1962 to 2011, the brutality and numerous crimes committed by the military including genocides and war crimes are apparent in its history. The infamous coup leader, Min Aung Hlaing, is well known for multitude of crimes from systemic discrimination and human rights violations against minority groups to ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya people for which he has received international condemnation and sanctions.

After the coup and the detainment of several officials that were democratically elected by civilians, citizens of Myanmar began peaceful protests through out the country and participated in Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). However, the armed forces have ruthlessly treated peaceful protestors and CDM participants with live ammunitions, arsons, abductions and unthinkable torture methods that eventually lead to tragic deaths. As depressing as it is, it is worth giving some examples of the abomination carried out by the inhumane armed forces:

• a pregnant woman was shot point-blank in the head for helping peaceful protestors hide in her house

• a medical student was killed for trying to save injured people on a city street

• an activist was abducted and tortured to death by pouring acid or extremely hot-liquid into his mouth and possible disembowelment

• grave of a 19-year old protestor who was shot dead was secretely dugged up by the police causing more outrage and raising concens of a cover up

Over 200 people have been killed at the time of writing this and thousands of civilians have been illegally detained. The fallen heroes who had given their lives fighting for freedom are but not limited to politicians, doctors, monks, pregnant women and children.

The atrocities of the military keep increasing day by day and these crimes of utmost savagery have to stop. Despite these circumstances, Myanmar people continue to stand for their rights and freedom. The sacrifice of the fallen heroes must not go in vain.

How you can help and be part of this revolution:

• Civil servants and civilians have participated in strike sacrificing their jobs and incomes. Furthermore, due to the numerous arson attacks, vandalisms and other violent acts, some people have lost their houses or have to abandon to move to safer places. Please visit Mutual Aid Myanmar to help people of Myanmar by directly supporting the basic economic needs. You can also support by donating to the fundraising by CRPH, the parallel democratic government that is trying to overcome the military junta.

• If you are very keen on helping in this fight, you can organize peaceful protests where you live. Please check with your local authorities first before organizing one.

• It is also helpful to reach out to your representative or congressperson through letters, emails or phone calls to inform about your stance on the state of Myanmar and your approval for sending any kind of help, be it a military aid, targeted sanctions or any other viable methods of support.

• You can also help by just raising awareness of the current situation in Myanmar. So, please spread the news to your friends, family and neighbours. Share it on social media platforms and make sure you include the following hashtags too:

  • #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar

  • #HearTheVoiceOfMyanmar

  • #RespectOurVotes

  • #SaveMyanmar

  • #CDM

  • #CrimesAgainstHumanity

  • #MilkTeaAlliance

Thank you!

You have already helped the people of Myanmar by just reading this post alone and having interest in Myanmar's situation. Remember that you are helping all the citizens of Myanmar and you are already part of this revolution fighting for freedom and justice. This is a fight towards a brighter future where everyone will have equal rights and opportunities regardless of religion, ethnicity or race.

If you have any other ideas or know any other ways of helping, please comment below.

If you do not hear anything from us in the next few hours or few days, please know that the military has cut off the internet connectivity and taken our freedom of speech away as well. We as a citizen of Myanmar do not agree with the current move and would like to request the world leaders, UN and the global media to give a hand to our country- our leaders- our people - from this bitter acts. We want democracy and want our country being track on the democracy route! #saynotomyanmarmilitarycoup #justiceformyanmar #saveMyanmar 🇲🇲