Myanmar's Opposition Announces Ceasefire After Deadly Big Earthquake

MUTA Myanmar/DOK SPECIAL

JAKARTA - The opposition group Myanmar, which is part of the National Unity Government (NUG), announced a ceasefire following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that rocked the country on Friday (28/3).

The ceasefire, which began on March 30, will last for two weeks to allow operations to rescue earthquake victims.

Reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Monday, March 31, according to a media report by Myanmar Now, the NUG, formed by members of the legislature who were eliminated as a result of the military coup in February 2021, will send personnel of the Civil Disobedience Movement to assist rescue operations in areas under the control of the junta.

The civilian movement consists of civil servants and pro-democracy professionals who are an important part of the fight against the Myanmar military regime.

However, the NUG provided conditions for the military to ensure the safety of these personnel and not to make arrests.

The Myanmar junta has yet to respond to calls from the NUG.

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake left up to 1,700 people dead and 3,408 injured, according to local media.

Local authorities warn that the death toll could increase, given that dozens of casualties in various regions are still missing.

It is known, NUG stated that it had allocated funds of up to 1 million US dollars for rescue operations.

Myanmar has faced large-scale conflict since the military coup in February 2021. Myanmar's military, Tatmadaw, is facing fierce resistance from armed ethnic groups and pro-democracy groups, such as the People's Defense Force, the NUG military wing.