The members of the Security Council expressed deep concern at the declaration of the state of emergency imposed in Myanmar by the military on 1 February and the arbitrary detention of members of the Government, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint and others. They called for the immediate release of all those detained.

The members of the Security Council emphasized the need for the continued support of the democratic transition in Myanmar. They stressed the need to uphold democratic institutions and processes, refrain from violence and fully respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. They encouraged the pursuance of dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar.

The members of the Security Council expressed concern at the restrictions on civil society, journalists and media workers. They also called for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all people in need, including through the re‑establishment of United Nations relief flights.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their strong support to regional organizations, in particular the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and welcomed the ASEAN Chair’s Statement dated 1 February. They also reiterated their support to the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar for her good offices.

The members of the Security Council reiterated the need to address the root causes of the crisis in Rakhine State and to create conditions necessary for the safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified return of displaced persons.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity and unity of Myanmar.

YANGON: Several hundred teachers and students protested at a Myanmar university Friday as the military widened a dragnet against officials ousted in a coup that has drawn global condemnation and the threat of new sanctions.

The rally took place after the arrest Win Htein, a key aide to de facto leader Aung Sang Suu Kyi, who was detained along with president Win Myint early Monday.

Three ethnic politicians from parties politically opposed to the democratically elected National League for Democracy (NLD)-led government toppled by the armed forces on Monday have been appointed to the military regime’s governing body, the State Administrative Council (SAC).

The move came two days after the military (or Tatmadaw) staged a coup and arrested President U Win Myint and State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

The SAC, which was formed a day after the military takeover with coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as chairman, has a total of 16 members so far.

One of the new SAC members is Daw Aye Nu Sein, a lawyer-cum-politician and the spokesperson for the Arakan National Party (ANP). As one of the ANP’s policy board members, she was a critic of both the ousted NLD government and the military regarding civilian casualties and the treatment of civilians arrested by the Tatmadaw in Rakhine State over the past few years.

First of all, the sound is already different.

In Thailand, it was the sound of thousands of whistles ushering in the military with cheers and smiles. For the Thai upper class, the coup was sought after and pursued to rid the country of the Shinawatras’ dirty influence.

In Myanmar, it is the collective sounds of the people bagging their pots and pans throughout Yangon and the country – a sign of almost universal disapproval of the military takeover.

Thailand’s coup in 2014 was not acceptable by all Thais but an alarming number of the intellectual class from medical workers to lecturers – even celebrities were cheering for a coup.

The 2021 coup is also not accepted by all Burmese but their medical workers and celebrities are wearing red ribbons and showing their three finger-salute on social media regardless of the personal cost.

At least in Myanmar, there is courage.

In Thailand, from the outside anyway, people would be forgiven if they thought the entire country wanted a military coup.

The opposition never came out, there were scarcely any counter protests. Just a mob screaming and chanting for a takeover.

Fast forward seven years and the generals that took over are still in charge. A new generation of student-protesters are trying to change that and the country is once again at the cross roads.

And they have solidarity, not just internally but across the region. This Milk Tea Alliance has picked up on the hopes and frustrations from Taiwan to the Philippines, Hong Kong to Thailand and Laos.

In Myanmar, the alliance just picked up a new member.

BANGKOK — Sean Turnell, an Australian economic advisor to Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi, said in message to Reuters on Saturday he was being detained, days after she was overthrown in a coup.

“I guess you will soon hear of it, but I am being detained,” he said. “Being charged with something, but not sure what. I am fine and strong, and not guilty of anything,” he said, with a smile emoji.

(Reuters) – Myanmar’s junta shut down the internet in the country on Saturday as thousands of people took to the streets of Yangon to denounce this week’s coup and demand the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Many had sidestepped the ban on sites such as Facebook by using virtual private networks to conceal their locations, but the more general disruption to mobile data services would severely limit access to independent news and information.

“Internet already down but we will not stop raising our voice,” wrote a Twitter user with the handle Maw Htun Aung. “Let’s fight peacefully for democracy and freedom. Let’s fight until the last minute for our future.”

(Oslo, 6.2.21) The Myanmar Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) has directed all mobile operators to temporarily shut down the data network in Myanmar. Voice and SMS services remain open.

In the directive, the MoTC cites legal basis in Myanmar’s Telecommunication Law, and references circulation of fake news, stability of the nation and interest of the public as basis for the order. Telenor Myanmar, as a local company, is bound by local law and needs to handle this irregular and difficult situation. We have employees on the ground and our first priority is to ensure their safety.

Telenor Group views this development with deep concern. We have emphasised to the authorities that access to telecom services should be maintained at all times, especially during times of conflict, to ensure people’s basic right to freedom of expression and access to information. We deeply regret the impact the shutdown has on the people in Myanmar.