The military Junta currently in power in Myanmar announced late
on Wednesday that it had issued arrest warrants against six celebrities in the
country, who had shown support for the strikes against the military coup that took
place earlier this month, and which have considerably stalled the functioning of
the nation’s government offices. The total number of arrests, meanwhile, have
risen closer to 500, according to a Reuters report.
The forces also opened fire on Wednesday against railway
workers who were confronted for stopping trains from running as part of their civil
disobedience movement. The firing, done with rubber bullets, as well usage of
catapults, led to one person getting injured.
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Hundreds of people came out on the streets on the same day,
protesting against the February 1 coup and subsequent detention of political
heavyweight and public leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The protests and marches, much more peaceful in nature than
half a century of Army rule, have however led to a screeching halt of official
business and essential services.
Reportedly, the total number of persons detained reached the 495-mark on Wednesday.
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The Army’s charges against the celebrities came through an
anti-incitement law that have repercussions such as a two-year long prison
sentence.
“It’s amazing to see the unity of our people. People’s power
must return to the people,” actor Lu Min was quoted as saying in his Facebook
page.