Yangon (Web Desk): Myanmar’s army toppled the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and detained her along with other politicians.
As per reports, the army declared a year-long state of emergency and handed power to the commander-in-chief, Min Aung Hlaing.
Soldiers have been deployed to the streets of the capital, Naypyidaw, and the largest city, Yangon, where they have erected blockades on major roads.
The military said that it carried out the detentions in response to “election fraud” and handed over power to military chief Min Aung Hlaing and declared a state of emergency for one year, according to a statement on a military-owned television station.
Capital Naypitaw and main commercial centre of Yangon’s telephone lines were not reachable, and state TV was also seized just hours before parliament had been due to sit for the first time since the NLD’s landslide election win in November 2020.
Banks have temporarily halted all financial services, according to the Myanmar Banks Association.
The coup comes after tensions rose between the civilian government and the military following a disputed election.
Myanmar, also known as Burma, was ruled by the military until democratic reforms began in 2011.
In November's election, Ms Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won enough seats to form a government.
The United Nations (UN) Chief, the United States (US) Britain, and several governments around the world have condemned the coup.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres voiced concern over transfer of powers to the military, calling it a serious blow to democratic reforms in the country.
In a statement issued by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN chief said,
“Secretary-General strongly condemns the detention of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and other political leaders on the eve of the opening session of Myanmar's new Parliamen.”
The White House said President Joe Biden had been briefed on the arrest of Suu Kyi.
“The United States opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of recent elections or impede Myanmar’s democratic transition, and will take action against those responsible if these steps are not reversed,” spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.