Myanmar military takeover: Here's all you need to know

Almost 300 lawmakers have signed a declaration rejecting the military junta rule and also promised to continue their fight for democracy. According to a report by Sputnik, almost 300 lawmakers in Myanmar have met by video to declare themselves the legitimate sole representatives of the people after the military seized power on Monday.

Hyderabad:Myanmar's military launched a coup on Monday morning and detained Aung San Suu Kyi, Win Myint and other National League for Democracy (NLD) members. The military announced a one-year state of emergency in the country, vowing to "take action" against alleged voter fraud during the November 8 general election.

The military accused Suu Kyi and her party of failing to act on its complaints that last November’s election was marred by fraud, though the election commission said it had found no evidence to support the claims.

in resoundingly. The military also said it was committed to the democratic system and vowed to hold new and fair elections after the state of emergency ends.

However, this move has been widely criticised by several countries including the US.

Recent updates in the military coup

Almost 300 lawmakers have signed a declaration rejecting the military junta rule and also promised to continue their fight for democracy. According to a report by Sputnik, almost 300 lawmakers in Myanmar have met by video to declare themselves the legitimate sole representatives of the people after the military seized power on Monday. In the declaration, signed on Friday, the lawmakers rejected the junta and also promised to fight for democracy in their respective constituencies.

After Facebook, Myanmar Army blocks Twitter, Instagram

After blocking Facebook in the name of public interest and state stability, the Myanmar Army further expanded its internet crackdown by ordering a block on Twitter and Instagram, days after seizing power in a coup. On Friday, the Myanmar Ministry of Transport and Communications ordered mobile networks and internet service providers in the country to block Twitter and Instagram, CNN reported citing Norwegian company Telenor, which offers mobile services in the country.

Reactions by the major countries:

US President Joe Biden, on Thursday (local time), called on the military in Myanmar, that took control of the country earlier this week through a coup, "to relinquish seized power "and free all officials and advocates detained. Biden, speaking at the US Department of State also called for the restoration of telecommunications in the Southeast Asian country and to refrain from violence. "We have been in close cooperation with our allies and partners in bringing together the international community to address the military coup in Burma (Myanmar). I have also been in touch with (Republican) leader McConnell to discuss the shared concerns about the situation and we are united in our resolve," Biden said during an address at the State Department.

The United Nations Security Council expressed deep concern over the military coup in Myanmar and called for the immediate release of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and others leaders who were arbitrarily detained. The 15-member council, which is the most powerful organisation of the governing body issued a statement on Thursday -- three days after the military seized power in the Southeast Asian country in a coup and detained top politicians.

India

India on Thursday said that it will continue its humanitarian assistance to Myanmar and is monitoring the situation. MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said "India has extended assistance to Myanmar in its fight against Covid-19 by providing medicines, test kits, and vaccines. We remain committed to continuing our humanitarian support for the people in Myanmar in mitigating the health and economic impact of the pandemic." Despite the military coup, India will continue its assistance and is keeping a close eye.

Nepal

Nepal has called for the immediate release of Myanmar leaders who have been detained following the military coup. According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "We are equally concerned about the safety and well-being of the detained civilian leaders including President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and call for their immediate release." The Ministry further stated that it is "closely following the developments in Myanmar".

Bangladesh

Bangladesh condemned the military coup in Myanmar, where prominent civilian leaders were detained. An official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Bangladesh firmly adheres to and promotes democratic ethos. We hope that the democratic process and constitutional arrangements will be upheld in Myanmar. As an immediate and friendly neighbour, we would like to see peace and stability in Myanmar."

UK

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the military coup in Myanmar, where prominent civilian leaders were detained. Boris, in a Twitter post, said, "I condemn the coup and unlawful imprisonment of civilians, including Aung San Suu Kyi, in Myanmar. The vote of the people must be respected and civilian leaders released."

Indonesia

Indonesia’s foreign ministry said it is concerned over the political situation in Myanmar, and urged self-restraint and dialogue in order to find solutions and avoid exacerbating conditions. Indonesia calls for the observance of the principles of the ASEAN Charter, among other things, adherence to the rule of law, good governance, the principles of democracy and constitutional government.

Philippines

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s office spokesman Harry Roque said during a press briefing on Monday that “We expect that at the soonest possible time things will go back to normal, though the situation in Myanmar is an internal matter we won’t interfere with.”

Australia

The Australian government it was “deeply concerned” over the military coup in Myanmar and called for the release of State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other officials who were detained shortly before the early-morning takeover.