'Flower strike' in Myanmar to commemorate protest victims

NAY PYI TAW: Hundreds of people in Myanmar laid flowers in public places on Friday in memory of the victims of the violent protests against the February 1 military takeover. Organisers called for a "flower strike" saying these should be laid in places such as parks and bus stops in remembrance of "heroes who can't come back home", reports dpa news agency. Many people in Yangon went to parks and bus stops to lay flowers in tribute. The words "Myanmar bleeds" were written in flowers on a large sign in Yangon.

"Fallen, but not forgotten. Rest in power to all our sisters and brothers," one protester wrote on social media, sharing images of flowers at a bus stop. The flowers are being placed in honour of fallen souls across the country, protester KyawZin told dpa. He said further protests against the junta were planned.

After civilian leader Aung San SuuKyi's National League for Democracy party won a clear majority in the November 2020 elections, the military staged the coup, claiming that the polls were rigged. SuuKyi was arrested and has since then been imprisoned. The military has violently cracked down on the ensuing protests.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a non-profit, at least 543 people have been killed by military forces since the coup. The victims include more than 40 children, according to the NGO Save the Children.

Earlier, the UN Security Council (UNSC) condemned the use of violence against protesters amid ongoing violence in Myanmar. "The Members of the Security Council expressed deep concern at the rapidly deteriorating situation, and strongly condemned the use of violence against peaceful protestors and the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including women and children," said the most powerful United Nations body on Thursday.

The Council reiterated a call for the Myanmar military to "exercise outmost restraint" and for the release of SuuKyi and President u Win Myint. The opinion of the 15-member committee is unlikely to affect the escalating situation in Myanmar. The UNSC has met several times in light of the excessive use of force against protesters across Myanmar since the military overthrew the government in early February. (IANS)

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