Myanmar protesters ‘dyed red’ streets on traditional New Year’s Day

The Reuters news agency, based on images on social media, reported that the blood-red painted protest, which had been planned by activists earlier this month, continued to be responded to by many Myanmar people. Protesters spray-painted on the streets, signs outside government offices, and smeared their clothes as they took to the streets.

A street corner in kalaw town was painted red by protesters on April 14. Photo: Myanmar Now

In addition, some held marches with banners calling for the release of Senior State Adviser Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been detained by the military since the February 1 coup. Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi is currently charged with various crimes, with a prison sentence that can be up to at least 14 years.

Many of the demonstrations still take place in the context of Myanmar being on a traditional five-day Tet holiday, called Thingyan, starting april 13. Supporters of the civilian government said they planned various scenarios to protest against the military government between now and the end of the holiday. Among these are the cancellation of traditional activities during the Thingyan New Year, such as splashing water from a high floor onto the road.

A street corner in kalaw town was painted red by protesters on April 14. Photo: Myanmar Now

Myanmar is in its worst crisis in 10 years, since the military carried out the coup, arresting leader Aung San Suu Kyi and many other senior government figures. The bloody protests and strikes that take place daily by workers in various industries are crippling Myanmar’s economy.

On April 13, the U.N. human rights office said it was concerned myanmar military authorities’ moves to crack down on protesters risk escalating into a civil war like what happened in Syria. More than 710 people have been killed in protests since the coup so far this year, according to estimates by the Political Prisoners Support Association.

Myanmar protesters put red paint on the streets during a march in Kalay, Sagaing on April 14. Photo: Myanmar Now

The unrest in Myanmar has also sparked past hostilities between the formal military and minority armed forces that are fighting for autonomy in border areas. Most recently, Myanmar Now media reported that military government forces had suffered heavy casualties in an attack on the Kachin armed forces in the north.

A spokesman for Myanmar’s military has not yet commented on the incident.