YANGON: Myanmar’s junta declared Saturday night that a group of ousted lawmakers running a shadow government would now be classified as “terrorists,” as the military moves to tighten its grip over a country in turmoil. Meanwhile, a group of ousted lawmakers — many of them previously part of Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party — have formed a shadow “National Unity Government” to undermine the junta. On Wednesday, the NUG announced the formation of a so-called “people’s defense force” to protect civilians facing violence from the military. But their new designation as a “terrorist organization” means anyone speaking to them — including journalists — can be subjected to charges under counter-terrorism laws. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has justified his February 1 power grab by citing electoral fraud in November elections won by Suu Kyi’s NLD party.

Source: Manila Times May 09, 2021 15:56 UTC