YANGON, July 9, 2021 (BSS/AFP) - A state-backed Myanmar power company
warned its customers Friday their electricity supplies could be disrupted if
they continue refusing to pay their bills as part of a boycott that has hit
the junta in the coffers.

   Myanmar has been in turmoil since a February coup that ousted civilian
leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her government, with hundreds dead in a brutal
crackdown and a mass anti-junta strike crippling the economy.

   Thousands of civil servants have walked out in protest, leaving schools,
universities and hospitals empty and the State Administration Council -- as
the junta calls itself -- struggling to issue bills or collect taxes.

   The Yangon Electricity Supply Corporation noted the boycott on its
Facebook page Friday.

   "For the benefits of the people, you are requested to cooperate and help
to regularly pay monthly fees," it said.

   It added that, without money from its customers, production and supply of
electricity would be affected. Not everyone took the warning seriously.

   "Don't care whether you cut off the power or not... because I've bought
enough candles," one Facebook user commented below the statement.

   "Return the power to the elected government and it will get back to
normal," wrote another.

   Since the coup Myanmar's economy has been in freefall and is expected to
contract by 10 percent in 2021, according to the World Bank.

   The junta has justified its power grab as a means to protect democracy,
alleging electoral fraud in November's election, won Suu Kyi's National
League for Democracy.