‘Murderer’: Protests erupt in Bangkok as Myanmar junta chief attends summit amid earthquake crisis – The Times of India

Members of Spirit in Schooling Motion holding posters throughout a press convention to sentence the go to of Myanmar’s army chief Min Aung Hlaing for the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok (Photograph: AP)

Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing confronted protests in Bangkok on Friday as he attended a regional summit, regardless of the continued crisis in his earthquake-ravaged nation.
Demonstrators displayed banners calling him a “assassin” outdoors the venue, criticising his presence whereas survivors in Myanmar struggled for meals, shelter, and assist.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar final week has claimed over 3,000 lives, with the UN estimating that as much as three million folks might have been affected. Survivors in the worst-hit areas, such as Sagaing and Mandalay, stay in determined want, with many sleeping on the streets as they await assist.
Whereas international rescue groups and assist organisations have stepped in, the Myanmar army’s response has been largely absent, AFP studies.
In the meantime, Min Aung Hlaing joined fellow leaders from Bay of Bengal nations at a Bangkok resort, a transfer condemned by critics who accuse him of warfare crimes and human rights abuses.
‘We don’t welcome assassin’
The choice to ask Myanmar’s junta chief sparked outrage. Protesters hung a banner close to the summit venue that learn: “We don’t welcome assassin Min Aung Hlaing.” Myanmar’s opposition Nationwide Unity Authorities (NUG) strongly criticised his participation, calling it an insult to justice.
“Permitting the junta chief and his representatives to take part in regional and worldwide boards dangers legitimising an unlawful regime,” the NUG mentioned.
Yadanar Maung, spokesperson for the Justice for Myanmar marketing campaign group, described his attendance as “deplorable.”
“This legitimises and emboldens a army junta that the folks of Myanmar have been resisting for over 4 years,” she added.
Myanmar army continues airstrikes
In Sagaing, near the earthquake’s epicentre, survivors have been seen scrambling for important provides. Many have been pressured to arrange makeshift camps after their properties have been destroyed or left uninhabitable.
Regardless of the pressing humanitarian crisis, Myanmar’s army has continued its offensive in opposition to ethnic armed teams. The junta carried out airstrikes on insurgent-held areas even as quake survivors pleaded for help, drawing worldwide condemnation.
Junta chief attends Gala
On Thursday night time, Min Aung Hlaing attended a gala dinner with different leaders on the Shangri-La resort. The veteran basic, who seized energy in a 2021 coup, stays underneath international sanctions and is dealing with potential prosecution on the Worldwide Prison Court docket for alleged crimes in opposition to humanity in opposition to Rohingya Muslims.
His participation in the summit is his first worldwide journey outdoors China, Russia, or Belarus since 2021. The gathering offers him with a possibility for face-to-face diplomacy with key regional leaders, together with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Thailand proposed a joint assertion on the catastrophe. Some armed teams paused combating to let assist by, however clashes nonetheless occur.
India launched ‘Operation Brahma’ final week, sending an NDRF staff to Myanmar’s quake-hit area, the place hundreds are feared useless, injured, or lacking. The staff is self-ample and expert in heavy city search and rescue operations. New Delhi additionally airlifted tools and instruments in two sorties for rescue and aid efforts.