MYANMAR PROTESTERS STAGE ‘SILENT STRIKE’ AS DEATH TOLL TOPS 700

Opponents of military rule in Myanmar called for a "silent strike" on Friday, urging people to say at home to mourn the more than 700 people killed in protests against a Feb. 1 coup and to wear black if they have to go out.

Many ordinary people, infuriated by the return of military rule after five years of civilian government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi, have been taking to the streets day after day with activists thinking up new ways to show opposition as the security forces step up their suppression, Reuters reported.

"Let's make the roads silent," protest leader Ei Thinzar Maung posted on her Facebook page. "We have to stage a Silent Strike to show our sorrow for the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives. The most silent voice is the loudest."

Friday is the third day of the five-day traditional Buddhist New Year holiday, known as Thingyan. Most people this year are shunning the usual festivities to focus on their campaign against the generals who overthrew Suu Kyi's government and locked up her and many others. In overnight violence, two people were shot and killed in the central town of Myingyan, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported.

A spokesman for the junta could not be reached for comment. The military has also been rounding up its critics and has published the names of more than 200 people wanted under a law that makes it illegal to encourage mutiny or dereliction of duty in the armed forces.

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