The military rulers in Myanmar have resorted to brutal suppression after appearing to severely underestimate public hostility towards their takeover.

At first, sheets of paper featuring the face of Min Aung Hlaing were fixed on to the streets with sticky tape, ready to be stamped on by angry protesters in Myanmar’s main city, Yangon. Troops promptly removed the pages, only for resourceful demonstrators to return with stencils to paint the junta leader’s image on to the concrete.

The protest tactic offered some protection against charging soldiers, who were apparently forbidden from treading on an image of their commander-in-chief. It was also a chance for the public to express their deep disdain for the man who stole their democracy.

The decision by Min Aung Hlaing to seize power on 1 February brought an abrupt end to Myanmar’s transition, after decades of military rule, to a more democratic system, and prompted fury across the country. It also presented the military with one of the biggest challenges in its 80-year history, as protesters poured on to the streets of cities, towns and villages while vast numbers went on strike, bringing trade, banks and transport systems to a standstill.

“It was a massive strategic miscalculation on their part,” said Richard Horsey, an independent political analyst, who added that the military appeared to have severely underestimated the level of public opposition. “But I think they still believe they can win this.”

Faced with opposition across society, the military has been unleashing a campaign of terror and chaos. Protesters are being detained, brutally beaten and, increasingly, shot dead. After dark, trucks of troops swarm through residential areas, firing indiscriminately and setting off stun grenades. Every night homes are raided, with officers going door to door arresting protesters and anyone deemed to be sheltering them. About 1,800 people have been taken, although this is probably an underestimate.

“The level of violence and intimidation that they’re having to mete out is creating a wellspring of hatred and opposition that is unifying much of the country,” added Horsey. “They will be able to deploy the violence that’s necessary to impose their will, but then what?”  The military will be left presiding over a country with deep, multiple crises, he added, with far less domestic or international support.

More at: The Guardian    Reuters     

Video Briefing: Watch Dr Jason Hubbard’s prayer briefing video on Myanmar

There are reports of 'anti-China' riots as Beijing is being accused of thinly-veiled support for the Junta. China has significant interests in the country including a proposed hydropower dam to generate electricity for China and a part-built natural gas pipeline to give them access to the Indian Ocean.

More at: https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2021/03/10/will-myanmars-coup-help-china-influence-asean/

Pray for the violence and extra-judicial killings of peaceful protestors to stop.
Pray that the international diplomacy and sanctions along with the strong will of the people of Burma will bring the Junta to stand down and free the democratically elected leaders.
Pray that Beijing does not take advantage of this instability.
Pray in more depth using these resources: Prayer Guide  |  Operation World  |  Joshua Project  |  Open Doors