April 9, 2021
1 min read

Myanmar may extend state of emergency

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi was taken into custody by the military in the February coup after her party won an election by a landslide…reports Asian Lite News

The Myanmar military’s spokesman Zaw Min Tun said the one-year state of emergency imposed by the junta during its February 1 coup could be extended, thereby pushing back potential elections.

He did not give a clear timeline for elections, but said the state of emergency could be extended for six months or more, in excerpts from an interview with CNN published late Thursday, reports dpa news agency.

He said a free and fair vote would have to be held within two years under the country’s constitution, but also told the broadcaster “the standard of democracy in Myanmar will not be the same as from Western counties”.

A Myanmar police officer

Zaw Min Tun also said there is “solid evidence” of the voter fraud which the army has used to justify seizing power, but did not present any proof to CNN.

Civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi was detained by the military in the February coup after her National League for Democracy (NLD) party won an election by a landslide.

Also read:Myanmar junta cuts Internet service

Local observers have said the vote was credible.

The military’s actions have prompted widespread protests, to which soldiers have responded with a violent crackdown on the population.

Death toll in Myanmar’s anti-coup protests tops 500

Nearly 2,850 have been arrested, and at least 598 have been killed, including 48 children, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a non-profit organization.

Zaw Min Tun said the security forces were using “minimum force” against protesters.

“There will be deaths when they are cracking down (on) the riots, but we are not shooting around without discipline,” he said.

Also read:Moscow opposes sanctions on Myanmar

Previous Story

Biden to curb US gun violence epidemic

Next Story

INS Sarvekshak undertakes hydrographic surveys in Mauritius

Latest from -Top News

Hamas Heads to Egypt for Gaza Talks

The negotiation will focus on the details of enacting the first phase of the plan…reports Asian Lite News A delegation from the Palestinian group Hamas arrived in Egypt on Sunday ahead of

Multi-alignment, upgraded

With US ties strained and China tense, New Delhi taps Europe’s harder edge for co-development, clean tech and strategic autonomy, writes Manoj Menon India is recalibrating its great-power hedging as frictions with

India-EU Trade Deal Breakthrough Soon?

Negotiators report increased momentum in discussions, which have been given a boost from US President Donald Trump’s tariff offensive…reports Asian Lite News India and the European Union aim to finalise a trade

Europe Seeks Peace in Gaza

European countries condemn Israeli interception of Gaza-bound flotilla, demand safety of citizens…reports Asian Lite News Israel’s interception of an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has sparked condemnation across Europe, with

GAZA: Egypt to Host Peace Talks

Egypt hopes the discussions will help “end the war and the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people, which has continued for two consecutive years…reports Asian Lite News Egypt will host Israeli and
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US warns against travel to Myanmar

US authorities directed “voluntary departure” of non-emergency government employees and

Myanmar initiates nationwide census for 2024

The census aimed to obtain accurate and up-to-date population and