Kathmandu, February 21. Myanmar police on Saturday used live ammunition against the anti-coup protesters in the Myanmar city of Mandalay. 

At least 2 people were killed and 30 others were injured during the clash which is considered as the worst violence among the two weeks of demonstrations.

Since February 1, a huge number of protestors have staged peaceful rallies on the streets, demanding the release of Suu Kyi and other detainees of the National League for Democracy party. 

The Police have been cracking down on the protestors with tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets. More than 560 protesters have been arrested.

The United Nations have shown concern over the violence seen in the past three weeks.

February 1 – Military Coup

• The National Defence services claimed that the multiparty general elections held on November 8 were against the law. 
• In charge of election fraud, the military arrested top ruling leaders including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and several regional and state ministers. The state announced a one-year emergency period. 

February 1 – Military Government reshuffled the Cabinet

• The Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Defence Services announced a major cabinet reshuffle. 24 ministers and their deputies were removed from their post and a new union cabinet was appointed for 11 ministries.
• However, Union Judges and justice of the Supreme, Regional and State high courts weren’t replaced. Chairs and members of the Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Human Rights Commission also remained in their offices. 

February 4 – US President urged Military to reverse action

• The President of the United States Joe Biden requested the Defence Services of Myanmar to let go of the powers and release the officials, leaders and activists.
• Since the day of the coup, Washington has been threatening the military authorities to reverse their actions or they will have to face unspecified consequences.

February 9 – Commander in Chief unveiled five-point plan

• In his first public television address after the coup, Myanmar Military Chief Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing announced a five-point plan for the one-year emergency state.
  • According to the plan, Myanmar will continue to follow its current political path and shall not bring amendments to current foreign, executive and economic policies. 
  • The newly reformed Union Election Commission is reviewing the electoral process of last year’s general election.
  • The ongoing Covid-19 programs will not be discontinued. Moreover, emphasis will be given to the distribution of vaccines all over the country. National and International investments will be encouraged to help the businesses affected by the pandemic. 
  • In order to promote eternal peace, nationwide ceasefire agreements will be called with ethnic armed organizations. 
  • A fair and free general election will be held and the power of the state will be handed to a political party that wins in line with democracy standards.

February 9 – Military destroyed NLD party headquarters

• Security forces of Myanmar Defence Services forcefully entered the Aung San Suu Kyi led National League for Democracy party headquarters in Yangon and destroyed the property when no members of the party were present.

Myanmar had recently gained independence from martial law in 2011 A.D. But, even after the shift to democracy, the military had retained much of the supreme powers in the constitution.