Myanmar Mix

What are we on? Day six of mass protests against the Myanmar military coup. More than one hundred thousand taking to the streets of Yangon and thousands more across the country in a movement that shows no signs of slowing down, despite a junta-imposed ban on gatherings of five or more and cases of police violence against demonstrators.

While the worst of the violence was defined on Tuesday when an officer shot a young woman in the head in Naypyidaw, some police have switched sides and joined protesters – sometimes in dramatic fashion, such as raising their shields to protect people from water cannon.

So far at least 60 officers have defected within the last two days across the country in the knowledge that they will likely face lengthy jail sentences. “People’s police,” the crowds have chanted, offering drinks, snacks and cigarettes to the officers in some cases. Here are the most notable defections so far.

Loikaw

At least 40 police officers joined protesters in Kayah state capital Loikaw on February 10, waving banners saying they “stand with civilians” and that “we do not need military dictatorship” while others raised the three-finger salute, a symbol of resistance against the regime.

Mawlamyine

Police officer Than Htike denounced the coup in Mawlamyine, the state capital on Mon, on February 10. An officer of 15 years, according to local media, he shook hands with protesters and called for the release of National League for Democracy leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi.

Myeik

Tun Aung Linn, a police constable in at Tanintharyi Region’s Myeik Myoma police station, joined protesters during his lunch break on February 9. He distributed water to the crowd and gave a speech near the town’s statute of Aung San. The country does not need another dictator, he said, adding that having a teacher as his wife has helped him understand, and stand with, civilians. He was arrested 30 minutes after delivering his speech. At the demand of protesters who gathered in front of the police station, his family has been allowed to visit him. “We are questioning him. He has been working with the Myeik police for three years. We have not decided what action we can take against him,” said Police Major Cho Lwin, head of the police station.

Magway

Magway town saw the dramatic moment three police officers turned to face the water cannon in order to shield protesters from the blast on February 9. The demonstrators then protected the officers from their colleagues who tried to pull them back. “We love you all,” one of the officers told the crowd. He said the three could not stand to see peaceful protesters attacked, particularly when police were paid from their taxes. Some Magway residents said the three policemen had gone into hiding under the protection of the people.

Naypyidaw

Police Lieutenant Khun Aung Ko Ko of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force urged others to join the civil disobedience movement in the capital Naypyidaw on February 9. Tears falling down his cheeks, he told the crowd that Myanmar military chief Min Aung Hlaing was the “only true enemy” of the people and that victory would come when the dictator falls.

Khun Aung Ko Ko said he expected to face a long term of imprisonment for joining the demonstrators.

“But I do not care; we must try to win,” he said.

He did not like the police force being ruled by Tatmadaw officers, the officer said. He called for an end to hatred among the “national races” and to the hatred between the Tatmadaw and the people.