CALLS FOR REVOLT AGAINST MILITARY RULE

Myanmar's shadow government, formed by opponents of military rule, called for a nationwide uprising against the junta on Tuesday, amid reports of new protests and a flare-up in fighting between the army and ethnic military groups.

Duwa Lashi La, acting president of the National Unity Government, said the shadow government was launching a “people's defensive war,” signalling in a speech what appeared to be a bid for greater coordination of armed militias and ethnic forces after months of fighting the military.

Military spokesman Zaw Min Tun dismissed the NUG'S call for revolt. It was an attempt to gain international attention and recognition from the United Nations General Assembly this month, he said.

Myanmar's military toppled the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, triggering a wave of protests by pro-democracy supporters.

Some opponents of military rule have formed armed groups, under the banner of the People's Defence Forces, and have forged alliances with some ethnic militias that have long seen Myanmar's army as their enemy.

Military ruler Min Aung Hlaing last month took on the role of prime minister and pledged to hold new elections by 2023.

Declaring a state of emergency, Duwa Lashi La called for a “revolt against the rule of the military terrorists led by Min Aung Hlaing in every corner of the country.”