Internet has been temporarily shut in Myanmar following orders from the Myanmar Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC).
The Myanmar military has also imposed blockade on popular social media platforms Twitter and Instagram.
Earlier in the week, the Myanmar military also imposed a blockade on Facebook.
The Myanmar MoTC directed mobile networks and internet service providers in the country to block Twitter and Instagram.
Internet in #Myanmar is temporarily shut down by order of MoTC. To help you stay connected at this time, Telenor-to-Telenor local calls and SMS are free of charge this weekend. Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/Bfw8LiJo86
— Telenor Myanmar (@Telenor_mm) February 6, 2021
HELP!
MYANMAR MILITARY TOOK OVER THE COUNTRY UNLAWFULLY DETAINING THE ELECTED PARTY (WHO WON 80% OF PARLIAMENTARY SEATS)
PHONE LINES, INTERNET AND POWER WERE ALL CUT IN LESS THAN A WEEK
WE HAVE LOST CONTACT WITH OUR FAMILIES, FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES FROM HOME#FightForDemocracy— Ei Shu (@EiShu55879678) February 6, 2021
This move by the Myanmar military, which staged a coup on Monday (February 1) to siege power, is seen as a desperate attempt to curb the anti-coup protests in the Country, which is spreading like wildfire.
The Myanmar military is finding it difficult to contain the anti-coup demonstrations in the Country as thousands of people, including students, teachers and civil servants have taken to the streets to register their protest against the coup.
Thousands of people took to Yangon's streets in Myanmar to denounce this week's coup, and the government moved to cut off Internet access after blocking major social-media platforms https://t.co/MMqUxt3flE pic.twitter.com/0J1Y3a9pr3
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 6, 2021
Update from Myanmar. @UNHumanRights keep your eyes on the situation https://t.co/YNJON5LTEl
— Van Beek (@vanbeek101) February 6, 2021
Civilians started to peacefully protest expressing their voices today@UN, it's now the time to show your effective support for myanmar people who are deeply in need of your help. #FightForDemocracy #HearTheVoiceOfMyanmar#WhatsHappeningInMaynmar pic.twitter.com/6Rkh5Uwsdc
— my toxic fb clone (@HanLynnRants) February 6, 2021
Anti-coup protests are also happening in Mandalay, Myanmar!
Crd Irrawaddy NewsNO MORE SILENCE#WhatishappeninginMyanmar #coup6feb #FightForDemocracy pic.twitter.com/HD9tbSPaQ9
— Kai Gracey (@GraceyKai) February 6, 2021
We need help for Myanmar~#SilencedVoicesInMyanmar#FightForDemocracy pic.twitter.com/6CsJ2vtc2F
— AmieNaLuwis (@LuwisNa) February 6, 2021
Also read: Manipur: Imphal View Tower to be opened for public soon
Meanwhile, popular social media platforms have expressed concerns over the blockade directive served by the Myanmar military.
Facebook, which also own Instagram said: “Telecom providers in Myanmar have been ordered to permanently block Instagram. We urge authorities to restore connectivity so that people in Myanmar can communicate with family and friends and access important information.”
“It undermines the public conversation and the rights of people to make their voices heard,” Twitter said.
Myanmar military Chief – Min Aung Hlaing seized power on Monday (February 1), alleging fraud in a the election process that Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party had won in a landslide.
####peace in myanmar
May God bless u myanmar
Our leader Aung San Su Ki pic.twitter.com/VHzrx37NUy— rosy chai (@chai_rosy) February 6, 2021
Meanwhile, the United Nations has contacted the Myanmar military, calling for the release of the civilian leaders including Aung San Suu Kyi, who was detained by the military on Monday.
“Our special envoy today had a first contact in which she expressed clearly our position to the deputy military commander,” UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres informed.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council has shown a rare unity to criticise the military takeover in Myanmar.
The UNSC members have come together to express “deep concern” over the military takeover in Myanmar, calling for the immediate release of the country’s elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and President Win Myint.
The UNSC has called for “immediate release of all those detained”, and stressed on “the need to uphold democratic institutions and processes, refrain from violence, and fully respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law”.
The 15-member United Nations Security Council has encouraged “pursuance of dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar.”
