Kathmandu, March 11. The Military government of Myanmar on Thursday accused deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi of accepting illegal payments of USD 600,000 and gold. However, there is no concrete evidence provided for the charge. 

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. 

Meanwhile, rights group Amnesty International has claimed that the military is using battlefield equipment and is adopting a planned killing strategy against the public protesters.

Another advocacy group, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said that more than 60 protesters have been killed by the government since the Feb 1 coup. Similarly, more than 2,000 people have been detained by military forces.

February 1 – Military Coup and Cabinet reshuffle

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. 

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 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.