The military council has ordered 100 people from each township to attend the 78th Martyrs’ Day ceremony at the Martyrs’ Mausoleum in Yangon. According to a charity organization leader from Mayangone Township, various groups including charity organizations, fire brigade members, Red Cross members, and alms-giving associations were compelled to attend the ceremony. Township authorities arranged transportation for the groups required to attend the ceremony.
In Latha and Hlaing Tharyar townships, the General Administration Department has ordered ten people from each ward to pay respects at the Martyrs’ Mausoleum. A ward administrator from Latha Township stated that all townships were instructed to perform the ‘Oo Aw’ salute on the streets at 10:37 AM before proceeding to the Martyrs’ Mausoleum. For security reasons, the military has prohibited attendees from bringing mobile phones and cameras to the ceremony.
This year’s Martyrs’ Day ceremony is being given special emphasis by the military council, which is attempting to demonstrate its administrative authority by forcing public attendance. While last year’s ceremony required fifty people per township to attend, this year’s requirement has increased to one hundred people. This escalation in forced attendance has placed increased pressure on civilians, reflecting the military council’s growing demands on the public. The mandatory nature of these ceremonies highlights the continued coercion of civilians by the military authorities in their attempt to maintain control over public gatherings and commemorative events.
