Some found private employment, while others joined pro-democracy rebels defying the military in a civil war that has killed tens of thousands on all sides. Last week, the junta completed a month-long election it has touted as a return to civilian rule. But the dominant pro-military party won a walkover victory in a vote democracy watchdogs say was stacked with army allies to prolong its grip on power. Public employees who had been absent from work were placed on blacklists, "leading some to remain in hiding", it added. Today, more than 22,000 people are languishing in junta jails, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group.

Source: The Hindu February 02, 2026 01:34 UTC