Feb, 8th 2021 – Police in Myanmar have used water cannons on workers conducting a nationwide strike against a military coup. Thousands are taking part in a third day of street protests, calling for the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and for democracy to be restored.
This comes a day after Myanmar saw its largest protest in more than a decade. Last week the military seized power after claiming without evidence that an earlier election was fraudulent. They also declared a year-long state of emergency in Myanmar and power has been handed over to commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing.
Tens of thousands of people had already gathered in Nay Pyi Taw for the strike by Monday morning. Other cities such Mandalay and Yangon also reported significant numbers. The protesters included government workers, bank officers lawyers and teachers.
There had been calls online asking workers to skip the protests. During the protests, there was no violence but just a few injuries.
A water cannon was however used to disperse the crowds, this is as seen in a video doing rounds on social media showing protestors rubbing their eyes and helping each other after getting soaked.
General strike called today in Yangon #Myanmar. Large street protests converging downtown. Many onlookers cheering. pic.twitter.com/TB2X6z4LsA
— Richard Horsey (@rshorsey) February 8, 2021