A public protest was held in Yinmabin Township, Sagaing Region, on April 5, led by the Shwe Yay Kyun People’s Strike Column to demonstrate against the military dictatorship. The protesters strongly condemned Thailand’s invitation to Military Council leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The peaceful demonstrators carried signs demanding an end to the military dictatorship, calling for the cessation of recognition of the military council, and advocating for the restoration of civilian government.
Participants in the protest emphasized that the military council should not receive international recognition due to its ongoing war crimes against the Myanmar people. They stated that Thailand’s official invitation to the military council leader undermines the democratic struggle of Myanmar’s citizens. The protesters called for increased international sanctions against the military council, which has been committing atrocities including airstrikes on civilians, village burnings, forced military recruitment, and torture. They expressed that diplomatic engagement with the military council legitimizes its brutal actions against the people of Myanmar.
Yinmabin Township has been a stronghold of anti-military dictatorship activism within the Sagaing Region, with local residents consistently supporting the National Unity Government (NUG) and People’s Defense Forces since the beginning of the military coup. Local participants stated that today’s demonstration successfully showed the people’s unity and firm determination in opposing the military dictatorship. The protest highlighted the ongoing resistance against military rule and the public’s unwavering support for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar, while rejecting any international legitimization of the military council that continues to commit violence against its own people.
