He expressed grave concern regarding the declaration of the transfer of all legislative, executive and judicial powers to the military.

"These developments represent a serious blow to democratic reforms in Myanmar."

"The Secretary-General reaffirms the unwavering support of the United Nations to the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of democracy, peace, human rights and the rule of law," said Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

The November 8, 2020 general elections provided a strong mandate to the National League for Democracy (NLD), reflecting the clear will of the people of Myanmar to continue on the hard-won path of democratic reform.

The Secretary-General urged the military leadership to respect the will of the people of Myanmar and adhere to democratic norms, with any differences to be resolved through peaceful dialogue.

"All leaders must act in the greater interest of Myanmar’s democratic reform, engaging in meaningful dialogue, refraining from violence and fully respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms," said the UN Spokesperson.

Also read: Military takes control of Myanmar; Suu Kyi reported detained

India has noted the developments in Myanmar with deep concern.

"We believe that the rule of law and the democratic process must be upheld. We are monitoring the situation closely," Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statemt on Monday.

India said it has always been steadfast in its support to the process of democratic transition in Myanmar.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also condemned the coup and unlawful imprisonment of civilians, including Aung San Suu Kyi.

"The vote of the people must be respected and civilian leaders released," he tweeted on Monday.

Meanwhile, the UK government has issued a statement condemning the state of emergency imposed by the Myanmar military.

A spokesperson for the UK government said, "The UK condemns the state of emergency imposed by the Myanmar military on February 1 and the detention of members of the civilian Government and civil society, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint."

Also read: Myanmar's military says to hold new elections after end of emergency

The UK called on the military to respect the rule of law and human rights, and release those unlawfully detained.

"We need to see the peaceful reconvening of the National Assembly, respecting the results of the November 2020 general election and the expressed wishes of the people of Myanmar," said the Spokesperson.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken expressed “grave concern and alarm” over the reported detentions, reports AP.

“We call on Burmese military leaders to release all government officials and civil society leaders and respect the will of the people of Burma as expressed in democratic elections,” he wrote in a statement, using Myanmar’s former name.

A list of people believed to have been detained, compiled by political activists, included several people who were not politicians, including activists as well as a filmmaker and a writer. Those detentions could not be confirmed.

Besides, Japan has "serious concerns" about the situation in Myanmar and urges the release of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Monday, reports Kyodo News.

Also read: US calls for Suu Kyi's release, respect for vote

In a statement issued after Myanmar's military staged a coup, Motegi said Japan strongly urges it to "promptly restore a democratic political system" in the Southeast Asian country.

The Japanese government has strongly supported Myanmar's démocratisation process and opposes moves against this, the foreign minister said.

Japan's top government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said, "It is important that the relevant parties resolve the situation peacefully through dialogue."

Kato, the chief Cabinet secretary, told a press conference Japan was gathering information via its embassy in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, and will ensure the safety of its citizens.

Myanmar’s military staged a coup Monday and detained senior politicians including Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi — a sharp reversal of the significant, if uneven, progress toward democracy the Southeast Asian nation has made following five decades of military rule.

Also read: World must sanction Myanmar military: ICR

An announcement read on military-owned Myawaddy TV said Commander-in-Chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing would be in charge of the country for one year.

It said the seizure was necessary because the government had not acted on the military’s claims of fraud in November’s elections — in which Suu Kyi’s ruling party won a majority of the parliamentary seats up for grabs — and because it allowed the election to go ahead despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Written by: MK, Edited by: ZK