On 22 February 2021, anti-coup protesters staged a nationwide general strike and held demonstrations to demand the release of detained elected officials. The full extent of the strike remains unknown, although reports indicate that many commercial businesses closed, and that numerous public-sector workers such as doctors, nurses and civil servants stayed home. Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators have reportedly attended protests, including at the Hledan Juntion Skyway and the Sule Pagoda in Yangon, the country’s largest city. There were no reports of violence at the demonstrations. In related developments, reports indicate that the junta ordered the internet to be cut during 0000-1200 local time on 21 February (1730 UTC on 21 February – 0530 on 22 February). Meanwhile in the capital Naypyitaw and the nearby city of Pyinmana, security forces dispersed demonstrations and arrested at least 24 protesters.
On 20 February security forces used live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas and two water cannons to disperse demonstrators at the Yadanarbon shipyard in the city of Mandalay. The dispersal operation began when hundreds of demonstrators gathered in opposition to a police raid at the shipyard on protesting workers who are on strike as part of a civil disobedience campaign against the 1 February military coup. At least two people were killed and six others suffered injuries. Police officers reportedly arrested at least 10 people. As of most recent reports, the unrest at the facility has largely concluded.
