A week after a military junta took over the country and declared a state of emergency, protests have spread throughout Myanmar. Shortly after the events of last week, textile workers, together with students, went on strike against the army takeover. This initiative grew in size and scope until it became a nationwide general strike, which was ongoing, at least until the 9th (the latest day we have reports on).
Needless to say, our comrades from FGWM (Federation of General Workers Myanmar) are taking part and organising these demonstrations and strikes and have carried out many marches, like these in the factory areas of Shwepyithar, Hlaingthayar and Mingalordon, in the industrial belt of Yangon.
In addition, together with other organizations of the Anti-Junta Mass Movement, they have signed a declaration demanding, among other things: the absolute abolition of dictatorship, to achieve full democracy and respect civil liberties, the absolute repeal of the 2008 Constitution (imposed by the military) and the immediate release of those arrested by the army during the coup and the protests.
All too often, the media focus on prominent political figures when reporting on events such as these. However, now, as always, it is the workers who make things move forward, who take to the streets to confront the repression, who bring the country to a halt with a general strike and, ultimately, who can stop the coup.
We are very aware that this is not the first time that the working people have risen up to confront military dictatorship. We also know that, when this happens, the army can only back down or unleash a bloody repression. All the sections of ICL wish the best for our comrades in Myanmar. They know that they can count on our solidarity and support, as always.
Images courtesy of Myanmar Labour News and individual activists. Thanks for the information and the translations.
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