Bangkok:The Myanmar military government marked Armed Forces Day in Naypyidaw on Monday with a large military parade, including a flypast of Russian-made jets. Junta head General Min Aung Hlaing said the country’s military would continue to act against opponents but did not say when elections promised following the February 2021 coup would be held. “Calm and stability are decisive,” Min Aung Hlaing said. The election would decide on the future and hopes of the people and for this reason had to be planned with care, he said. Thousands of troops were on parade in the capital, with rocket launchers and armour on display. Armed Forces Day marks the start of resistance to occupying Japanese forces 78 years ago in 1945. Last month, the military government extended by six months the state of emergency imposed when it took power more than two years ago. The National Defence and Security Council described the decision as necessary on account of the unstable situation in the country. Myanmar has descended into chaos since the coup, which ousted Aung San Suu Kyi, who as state counsellor was the de-facto head of government. She is currently serving a sentence of more than 30 years on a range of charges. (DPA)
