Myanmar’s protests grow despite crackdown
| Millions took part in a general strike on Monday against the military coup that deposed the country’s civilian leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, three weeks ago, despite an ominous warning on state television: “Protesters are now inciting people, especially emotional teenagers and youth, toward a path of confrontation where they will suffer a loss of life.” |
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| Myanmar’s military has a long history of deadly crackdowns. The generals tried to halt Monday’s dissent with barricades, armored vehicles and snipers waiting on rooftops. Two protesters were fatally shot over the weekend. |
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Quotable: “I will sacrifice my life for our future generations,” said Ko Bhone Nay Thit, a 19-year-old university student in Mandalay. In that city, one restaurant owner, Daw Htay Shwe, wrote her will before joining a rally, saying, “I will protect our country’s democracy with my life.”
23-II-21
