Mizzima
On the occasion of Aung San Suu Kyi’s 79th birthday, revolutionary forces and local residents across Myanmar held flower strikes and public demonstrations to honour the ousted State Counselor, who has been detained since the military coup on 1 February 2021.
On the morning of 19 June at a site in Yangon, a young woman from the Octopus People’s Support Youth Organization carried out a solo protest, holding a placard with “SUU” and a rose symbol. This act was part of a broader movement by Octopus to call for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, wishing her a long and glorious life.
Additionally, four revolutionary groups based in Yangon—Linn Young Ni Youth Association (LYNYA), Kyimyindaing Networks (KMD 18), Mayangone Democratic Front (MDF), and Owl Community, donated over 200 umbrellas to children to commemorate the Aung San Suu Kyi’s 79th birthday in the morning of 19 June. An MDF official confirmed this gesture to Mizzima.
Likewise, In Mandalay, the Anti-Coup Forces Coordination Committee (AFCC) held a flower strike at prominent locations, including Mandalay Mountain, Sandamuni Pagoda, Eaintawyar Pagoda, and near Mandalay Moat. Participants carried papers and bouquets inscribed with messages like “U Aung San’s daughter, be healthy”.
Police in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, arrested 22 people who had posted pictures of themselves wearing flowers in their hair – long a signature Suu Kyi look – Eleven Media reported, citing an anonymous official.
Other local media said around a dozen had been arrested in the central Myanmar city for wearing flowers or praying with them in public.
Reports indicate that similar flower strikes and public demonstrations took place in Kachin State, and Sagaing and Magway regions. Despite the risks, people from various regions demonstrated their support for Aung San Suu Kyi and their opposition to the military coup.
The junta has been actively arresting participants of these strikes, with military-backed Telegram channels also encouraging such arrests.
Wednesday marked Aung San Suu Kyi’s fourth birthday since her unjust arrest and sentencing following the coup, highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice and democracy in Myanmar.
Additional reporting: AFP
