Dozens killed during ‘deadliest-day’ – Myanmar
Myanmar: Dozens killed as army opens fire on protesters during 'deadliest day'
Dozens killed during ‘deadliest-day’
Dozens of people have been killed by security forces in Myanmar,
on what activists say is the deadliest day since last month’s military takeover.
At least 89 deaths, including children, were recorded by the Assistance
Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) as of early evening local time.
The lethal crackdown came as protesters defied warnings and took
to the streets on the annual Armed Forces Day.
US, UK and EU officials condemned the violence.
“The security forces have disgraced themselves by shooting
unarmed civilians,” British Ambassador Dan Chugg said in a statement.
The latest deaths would take the number killed in the suppression of
protests since the 1 February coup to beyond 400.
What is happening on the streets?-Dozens killed during ‘deadliest-day’
Protesters gathered on Saturday, despite the military’s threat
to use deadly violence against them. State TV had warned in a
broadcast on Friday that protesters risked being shot
“in the head and back”.
Security forces were out in strength trying to prevent rallies.
“They are killing us like birds or chickens, even in our homes,”
Thu Ya Zaw told Reuters news agency in the central town of Myingyan.
“We will keep protesting regardless.”
Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch (HRW) in Asia,
described the scenes as “shocking, horrible, barbaric and unacceptable”.
“It’s quite clear that this is the bloodiest day,” he told the BBC.
Local news site Myanmar Now put the death toll at more than 90.
In Yangon, gunshots were fired at the US cultural centre.
The US embassy said those shots caused no injuries.
Among the dead were four outside a police station in the
Dala suburb of Yangon, Myanmar Now reported.
Witnesses and sources told BBC Burmese of protester
deaths in the cities and townships of Magway, Mogok,
Kyaukpadaung and Mayangone.
Deaths were also reported on the streets of the second largest
city Mandalay, as protesters carried the flag of the National League
for Democracy (NLD), the party of Myanmar’s detained civilian
leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and gave their now traditional
anti authoritarian three-finger salute.
One journalist told AFP news agency police had used live ammunition
against protesters in the north-eastern city of Lashio.
The EU delegation to Myanmar said: “This 76th Myanmar Armed
Forces day will stay engraved as a day of terror and dishonour.
The killing of unarmed civilians, including children, are indefensible acts.”
Dr Sasa, a spokesman for anti-junta group CRPH, told Reuters it was
“a day of shame for the armed forces”.
2 Comments