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Myanmar anti-coup protests: Military suspends internet, blocks Twitter & Instagram

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.

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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.

https://twitter.com/Telenor_mm/status/1357989813966802949

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.

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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.

https://twitter.com/chai_rosy/status/1358015073214550016

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.”

 

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