The interim leader of Myanmar’s parallel civilian government, Mann Win Khaing Than, who was elected by deposed MPs after the military seized power in a coup, today addressed the public for the first Time via Facebook from his hiding place, vowing to resort to a “revolution” to overthrow the junta. Reuters reported that Mahn Win Khaing Than, who fled with most of the senior cadres of the National League for Democracy (NLD), addressed the public via Facebook, saying, “This is the darkest moment of the country, and the dawn is coming.”
Eyewitnesses and independent media outlets Myanmar Now and BBC Burmese said at least 12 protesters were killed on the 13th, one of the bloodiest days since the Burmese military seized power in a coup on February 1 and arrested civilian government leaders such as Aung San Suu Kyi. One of the bloodiest days since the military seized power in a coup on February 1 and arrested civilian government leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi.
The government-run Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) described the protesters as “criminals” in an evening news broadcast, but did not elaborate.
Former parliamentary speaker Mann Win Khaidan was appointed acting vice president last week by the Committee for Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), which represents deposed members of Myanmar’s parliament, and is pressing for international recognition of the parallel civilian government as a legitimate one.
The CRPH has announced its intention to create a federal democracy, and its leaders have been meeting with representatives of Burma’s largest ethnic armed groups, which already control large swaths of territory across the country, and some of which have pledged support.
Mann Win Ketan said, “This revolution is an opportunity to bring together all our efforts in order to establish a federal democracy, which is what our brothers of all ethnic groups who have suffered for decades from various kinds of authoritarian oppression really desire.”
His speech received thousands of messages of agreement from his Facebook followers, including one who wrote: “Keep up the good work Mr. President! You are our hope, we are all behind you.
The Burmese military has previously declared the CRPH an illegal organization, and anyone involved will be charged with treason, which is punishable by death.
The CRPH has also declared the military ruling group a “terrorist organization”.
Mann Win Ketan said the CRPH will attempt to enact the necessary laws to give the people the right to defend themselves, and that public affairs will be handled by an interim people’s administration team.
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