THE THIN RED LINE

A photo essay of rage and resistance in Myanmar

On February 1, 2021, the people of Myanmar woke to the news that the army had taken over. Tanks rolled down the street as military-owned television announced a one-year state of emergency.

Parliament had been expected to hold its first session under State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy won 86 per cent of available seats in the November 2020 elections.

But the military, long at odds with the veteran pro-democracy campaigner, alleged election fraud and took action.

Tanks in the streets of Yangon, Myanmar, February 14. Getty Images

Tanks in the streets of Yangon, Myanmar, February 14. Getty Images

In an early morning raid, soldiers arrested Ms Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other senior figures from the NLD.

The military quickly took control of the country. Telephone and internet access were suspended, banks closed and flights cancelled.

The next day, protests began.

A demonstration against the military coup in Yangon on February 6. AFP

A demonstration against the military coup in Yangon on February 6. AFP

Protest

Protesters give roses to riot police in Yangon on February 6. Initial demonstrations remained largely peaceful. Getty Images

Despite the initial shock of the coup and a rush to try and withdraw money from banks, local journalists reported an optimistic atmosphere in the first days of protest.

Old and young Burmese followed medics and teachers into the streets in the cities of Yangon and Mandalay.

Demonstrations also took place outside the country, with protesters adopting the pro-democracy three-finger salute also used in Thailand and Hong Kong.

Protests featured a sea of colour, from red ribbons symbolising resistance to yellow hard hats for protection.

Crackdown

Police use tear gas in Yangon, February 28. AFP

After initial hesitation, the military began to stamp out the protests.

On February 9, police used rubber bullets and water cannon against protesters. A woman was shot in the head and died 10 days later.

On February 22, a general strike shut businesses as mass crowds gathered across the country.

Three days later, supporters of the military violently attacked protesters in Yangon.

On February 27, police launched a more violent crackdown on protests, arresting hundreds and shooting live bullets.

The next day, at least 18 people were killed. Faced with increasing state violence, protesters were forced to adapt.

A protester runs as a security force member aims a gun during a demonstration in Mandalay, March 2. AFP

Mourners give the three-finger salute as the coffin of Nyi Nyi Aung Htet Naing, who died from a gunshot wound while attending a demonstration, is carried during his funeral service in Yangon on March 2. AFP

Resistance

As protests entered their second month, demonstrators experimented with a range of tactics designed to resist state violence.

They used shields, goggles and umbrellas to counteract the effects of tear gas.

Protesters also built barricades and donned helmets and shields in running battles with state security forces.

The protests remained colourful and vibrant as protesters co-ordinated walls of yellow umbrellas for defence against tear gas, while teachers wore traditional red attire in a show of solidarity.

Protesters face off against police in Yangon, March 1. AFP

A protester holds a homemade shield during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon, March 3. AFP

School teachers in their uniform and traditional Burmese hats participate in a demonstration against the coup in Mandalay. AP Photo

Protesters hold umbrellas with pro-democracy logos in Mandalay, March 13. AP Photo

Struggle

The daughter of Zwee Htet Soe, a protester who died during a demonstration against the coup, cries during her father's funeral in Yangon, March 5. AFP

Despite increasing violence from security forces, people continued to take to the streets two months after the coup.

While most protesters remained peaceful, some fought back with molotov cocktails and slingshots.

Demonstrators blocked roads and defended barricades as security forces deployed armoured vehicles and live fire against them.

Activists stage a street play while taking part in a demonstration against the military coup in front of the embassy of Myanmar near Kathmandu, Nepal, March 5. AFP

In the two months since the military seized power, hundreds of Myanmar's people have lost their lives.

By March 31, the verified death toll was over 500, with observers warning the actual number was likely far higher.

The deadliest day came on March 27, as the junta attempted to celebrate what it calls Armed Forces Day – referred to as Resistance Day by protesters.

Mass demonstrations took place in Yangon and Mandalay, despite the army warning that protesters could be shot "in the head and back."

Local media reported that at least 114 unarmed civilians were killed. The dead included a 13-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl.

The killings sparked international condemnation.

The UN, EU and other international organisations have called for action, and the US issued sanctions and cut trade ties in protest at the junta's "reign of terror."

But on the ground, the military remains in control and a state of emergency is still in place.

Yet despite the bloodshed, protests are expected to continue.

Credits

Words and Production: Tommy Hilton
Photo Editor: Tim Knowles
Photographs: Hkun Lat, Getty Images; Ye Aung Thu, Sai Aung Main, Mladen Anotonv, Aung-Shine, Prakash Mathema, AFP; AP Photo, Reuters