Myanmar beauty pageant contestant, Han Lay would be remembered as one of the most impassioned contestants, despite not winning the Miss Grand International title.
In an emotive speech at the pageant in Thailand, 22-year-old Lay pleaded for “urgent international help” for her country, which is in a state of turmoil. Lay said the military was selfish and abusing their power.
Protestors have been taking to the streets in Myanmar since a military coup ousted de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Monday was the bloodiest day after the coup so far with 141 people losing their lives. So far at least 550 people have lost their lives in clashes between the military and the protestors since the protests began on February 2. Most of the victims have been youngsters.
“I can say one thing, that we Myanmar citizens will never give up,” Lay told Reuters. “They told me that they will fight on the street and I'm also fighting my way on the stage now. So I think that if they will not give up, we will win,” she added. Han Lay is a psychology student at the University of Yangon. Several of Han Lay's fellow students, who took part in protests, have been detained, a BBC report reads.
The military has been using tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds to suppress the daily demonstrations.
Recalling Saturday's contest, she said, “I controlled my feeling at that time because I need to speak out for two or three minutes to all the world.” Lay said she felt guilty about people suffering back home. "In Myanmar, journalists are detained ... so I decided to speak out," Lay said. The competition's founder, Nawat Itsaragrisil, said Lay will have to stay overseas now, if she does return to Myanmar, she may go to jail as she spoke out against the junta. Lay said that her friends warned her not to return to Myanmar.
