Solidarity with people of Myanmar and Sister Ann Rosa Nu Tawng

Solidarity with people of Myanmar and Sister Ann Rosa Nu Tawng

As anti-coup protests continue in Myanmar despite the violence, including deaths, Catholic Bishops join a growing number of voices against the military coup in the South-East Asian nation. Meanwhile, a Myanmar nun exhibits extraordinary courage against violence.

The Catholic Bishops around the world have expressed their solidarity with the people of Myanmar in their protests “calling for a return to democracy”.

On February 1, the military in Myanmar took control of the country, arresting many democratic political leaders and activists, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. Since the coup, protesters have gathered peacefully around the country, calling for a return to democracy.

Pope Francis too has condemned the coup and expressed his solidarity with the people and called on the nation's leaders to work for the common good... The Holy Father and the Bishops of Myanmar have called for dialogue as a way forward toward peace and reconciliation. All Catholics and people of goodwill have been urged to pray for the people and leaders of Myanmar.

Meanwhile, the protests are continuing in Myanmar despite security forces ramping up their crackdown against the opponents of the coup. Demonstrators keep returning to the streets undaunted by the killing of many unarmed peaceful protesters by security forces. People have died having been shot in the head or chest by police using live ammunition and many more have been wounded.

Demonstrators have flooded the streets of towns and cities across Myanmar, despite the ban on gatherings of five or more people. Security forces have been repeatedly firing tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds to disperse the crowds and arresting the protesters. On Thursday, Myanmar security forces were seen firing slingshots at protesters, chasing them down and even brutally beating an ambulance crew in video.

Sister Ann Rosa Nu Tawng - nun with extraordinary courage

Catholics, including nuns, priests and the clergy have been taking part in the protests, supporting calls for restoring the elected government. Standing tall amongst them, was a 45-year-old nun who dared to confront the security forces on the street.

As Myanmar security forces were cracking down on street protests on 28 Feb. in Myitkyina, capital of Kachin state, Sister Ann Rosa Nu Tawng of St. Francis Xavier congregation was determined to stand between battle line-up.

Undeterred by fear, she approached the security personnel who were in full riot gear ready for action. She knelt down on the ground, pleading with them to spare the unarmed civilians who were protesting peacefully. They told her to leave immediately, warning she was in grave danger, but she stood her ground. “Just shoot me if you want to. The protesters have no weapons and they are just showing their desire peacefully,” Sister Nu Tawng challenged the security men.

The images of Sister Nu Tawng’s courageous intervention were shared on social media and even people from outside Myanmar including journalists, rights groups and former UN rights envoy Yanghee Lee lauded her courage. Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon also posted her images on Twitter.

Later, speaking about her 28 Feb. faceoff, she admitted it was a dangerous situation but said she was ready to die. “I have prepared myself that I will give my life for the Church, for the people and for the nation,” she said. “I’m a Catholic nun but I’m also a citizen of Myanmar, so I have the same feeling as the people of Myanmar,” she said. “I am always thinking about how I can give a hand to the people of Myanmar.”

She narrated that dozens of protesters had hid in the Church-run clinic where she worked, as security personnel beat, chased and arrested them. “When I saw that scenario, I felt it’s like a battle zone,” she said. She was also hit in the leg and chest but only suffered minor injuries.

Sister Nu Tawng was among the many nuns who stood before the clinic and showed solidarity with the protesters by holding placards that read "Justice and democracy will prevail" as anti-coup protesters marched on the streets.

She stressed that people from all walks of life, religions and ethnicities need to walk hand in hand to reach the goal of democracy. “I believe we will reach our goal through perseverance despite the journey being tough and facing more bloodshed,” she said.