3 critically hurt as Myanmar security forces shoot protesters
Three protesters were critically injured when security forces fired live rounds at anticoup protesters in northwestern Myanmar yesterday, medics said, as regional powers met to pressure the junta over its deadly crackdown.
Myanmar endured mass protests demanding the military release civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was detained on Feb 1 at the start of the coup.
Sunday was the bloodiest day since the coup, with the UN saying that at least 18 protesters were killed across the country. AFP independently confirmed 11 deaths.
In the northwestern town of Kale yesterday, another rally turned violent when security forces opened fire on protesters.
“About 20 people were injured in a morning crackdown by police and soldiers in Kale,” said a rescue worker.
A doctor who treated the patients in a local hospital confirmed the number of people in critical condition.
The bloodshed came the same day as the funeral was held here for a 23-year-old student who died on Sunday. The mourners sang a revolutionary song as the coffin carrying Nyi Nyi Aung Htet Naing was taken to an altar.
A local reporter was also attacked in his home and detained by the military, his employer said.
Journalists have found themselves targeted by police and soldiers as they try to capture the unrest on the streets. In recent days, several have been arrested, including an Associated Press photographer here.
A Democratic Voice of Burma
(DVB) reporter live-streamed the Monday night attack on his apartment in the southern city of Myeik as he pleaded for help.
Hours later, DVB said on Twitter that reporter Kaung Myat Hlaing had been taken from his home by security forces.