It seems as if, in recent months, numerous people in various countries are going through a revolution. Everybody in the world will certainly be mentioned in future history books.

Myanmar, a nation in Asia, is going through what looks to be a revolution where the people of Myanmar are resisting the military coup’s takeover.

On February 1st, Aung San Suu Kyi, “international democracy icon” and the country’s leader, was arrested for alleged election fraud back in November of 2020. A military spokesperson claimed that they would not rule out a coup if the alleged voter fraud were to be investigated, though the military still followed through with their plan of arrest against political leaders such as Suu Kyi for “failing to take action.” With the military being the ones behind the arrest, authorities unexpectedly declared a year-long state of emergency, closed banks, and had an internet blackout amongst the Burmese people.

Aung San Suu Kyi was formerly on house arrest for 15 years, so for Suu Kyi to once again be arrested this time around, individuals who voted for her are certainly not pleased.

Leading to her detainment, thousands of pro-democracy protestors headed to the streets. Myanmar’s military claim to staying in power for at least a year was what fueled that fire. Holding banners and waving flags, the people of Myanmar demanded the political leaders be released and that the military dictatorship step back.

A number of demonstrations took place on February 6th such as Yangon University, where young people gathered. Individuals were seen distributing bottled water to not only participants but also to the police to maintain minimal tension. But as tension builds up, crowd size is increasing, and protesters are becoming bolder, so the police have been attempting to scare off crowds by using water cannons and rubber bullets. However, could a rubber bullet be the cause of a young man shot in the chest and placing a woman in critical condition for a bullet piercing her motorcycle helmet? Due to the police’s use of water cannons, demonstrators have decided to use large plastic sheets as protection.

By chanting “Down with the military dictatorship” and giving the three-finger salute which was now the symbol of the movement, a reference to the “Hunger Games” where people fought for freedom against a tyrant, it is evident the Burmese people will not be backing down any time soon.

The Burmese people, like doctors and teachers, are refusing to work. Individuals adorn their clothes with a red ribbon, shops display red balloons, as well as banging pots and pans at night, a tradition that drives away evil spirits. The color red is a symbol of solidarity and support to the National League for Democracy.

The government prohibited gatherings of more than five, publicly giving political speeches, joining protest marches, and placed an 8 p.m. until 4 a.m curfew. Burmese army general Min Aung Hlaing (who justifies military takeover), told the Burmese people to prioritize “facts” over “feelings.” Myanmar’s Ministry of Information stated, “Democracy can be destroyed if there is no discipline. We will have to take legal actions to prevent acts that are violating state stability, public safety and the rule of law.”

The civil disobedience movement is a step forward for the people of Myanmar to no longer bow down to a corrupt dictatorship. When people become brave and ambitious over time and stand up for their beliefs publicly, governments seem to be fearful of the power their voices hold, and that many worldwide will hear their story.