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

Vijayan, Chandy stable after testing Covid positive

Next Story

INS Sarvekshak undertakes hydrographic surveys in Mauritius

Latest from -Top News

Jaishankar Hints at Tariff Deal with US

Jaishankar explained that the ongoing trade tensions largely stem from the inability of both sides to reach a common ground on several issues….reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on

Rajnath Singh Heads to Australia for Key Defence Talks

The visit comes at a historic moment when India and Australia commemorate five years of establishment of India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership…reports Asian Lite News Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Australia from

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

Reeves urged to break manifesto pledges

Chancellor under pressure as £40bn fiscal gap looms, with critics warning against a “pasty tax” budget of piecemeal revenue raisers…reports Asian Lite News Rachel Reeves is facing growing unease inside Labour’s ranks

Starmer to Visit India on Wednesday

UK and India to cement strategic ties with new free trade agreement and deeper cooperation across defence, technology and climate Prime Minister Keir Starmer will make his first official visit to India
Go toTop

Don't Miss

China’s South Asian Inroads via ‘Myanmar Gambit’

Historically, China has been an influential player in Myanmar’s internal

India highlights Myanmar situation at UNHRC session

Highlighting India’s contribution, the Indian representative stressed that India has