Myanmar: Suu Kyi adviser shot dead, probe launched

MYAMNAR POLITICIANS, activists and others shocked by the assassination of a longtime adviser to leader Aung San Suu Kyi gathered on Monday at a cemetery for his funeral, while the country’s police investigated the motive for the killing.

Ko Ni, a prominent member of Myanmar’s Muslim minority, was shot in the head at close range as he walked out of the Yangon airport Sunday.

The killing shocked many in Yangon because attacks on prominent people are rare, although security forces are notorious for brutal behaviour in remote rural areas, especially when dealing with ethnic minorities.

Ko Ni “is irreplaceable for both Aung San Suu Kyi and the party,’’ Suu Kyi’s ruling National League for Democracy party said in a statement.

The alleged gunman, identified by police as Kyi Linn, was arrested Sunday after he shot a taxi driver who tried to stop him from fleeing the airport, the Information Ministry said in a video posted on state-run MRTV. The driver died on the way to a hospital.

Police seized two guns from the suspect.

Authorities were searching for any possible accomplices.

Speculation about the motive for the killing included political intimidation, anti-muslim prejudice and a possible business dispute involving the victim’s private law practice. AP

Reuters Supporters carry Ko Ni’s coffin in Yangon, Monday.