Myanmar junta labels opposition government of ousted MPs a ‘terrorist’ group

Coup leaders ban opposition national unity government, and contact with them, as they seek to quell ongoing protests

Myanmar's military rulers have branded a national unity government formed by MPs forced to flee in the wake of the coup a terrorist group and blamed it for bombings, arson and killings as part of a propaganda campaign in state-controlled media on Saturday.

Myanmar's army overthrew the elected government on 1 February and detained elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking months of protests during which hundreds of people have been killed by security forces. In response, local militias have been formed to confront the army while anti-junta protests have continued across the south-east Asian country and strikes have paralysed the economy.