Unions seek trade strike

Illustrated anger: A man drawing a street mural depicting Myanmar’s army chief Min Aung Hlaing pointing a gun to his head in Yangon. — AFP

THE country’s major trade unions called on members to shut down the economy to back a campaign against last month’s coup, raising pressure on the junta as its forces fired weapons and occupied hospitals in the main city Yangon after a day of massive protests.

Witnesses reported hearing gunfire or stun grenades in many districts of Yangon after nightfall yesterday, as soldiers set up camp in hospitals and university compounds, local media reported. It was not clear whether anyone was hurt.