Civil disobedience spreads

Security forces in Myanmar are struggling to force civil servants back to work, and there are signs that the nationwide campaign of civil disobedience against the recent coup is affecting the functioning of government. Yesterday, protesters thwarted an effort by 200 police officers to force employees of the Central Bank of Myanmar, who have joined demonstrations against the coup, to return to work. Doctors and other medical staff at public hospitals, as well as teachers, aviation workers and railway workers, have joined the campaign. Yesterday, there were reports of injuries after police fired at demonstrators in the city of Mandalay. Train and air services have been disrupted by striking workers. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said at least 400 people had been detained since the coup.