More protests after 114 die in Myanmar
PROTESTERS returned to the streets of Myanmar yesterday to press their demands for a return to democracy, just a day after security forces killed more than 100 people in the bloodiest day since last month’s military coup.
Demonstrations were held in Yangon and Mandalay, the country’s two biggest cities, as well as elsewhere. Some protests were again met with police force.
At least 114 people were killed on Saturday as security forces cracked down on protests against the February 1 coup which ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government, according to the online news service Myanmar Now.
Several children under 16 were reported to be among the dead.
Similar death tolls were issued by other Myanmar media and researchers, far exceeding the previous highest on March 14.
The number of killings since the coup is now more than 420, according to multiple counts. The coup
reversed years of progress towards democracy after decades of military rule and has made Myanmar the focus of international scrutiny.
Saturday’s killings by police and soldiers took place throughout the country as Myanmar’s military celebrated the annual Armed Forces Day holiday with a parade in the country’s capital, Naypyitaw.
The bloodshed quickly international condemnation.
UN Secretary-general Antonio drew
Guterres said he was shocked by the killings of civilians, including children. “The continuing military crackdown is unacceptable and demands a firm, unified & resolute international response,” he wrote on Twitter.
The military chiefs of 12 nations issued a statement condemning the use of force against unarmed people. “A professional military follows international standards for conduct and is responsible for protecting – not harming – the people it serves,” it said. “We urge the Myanmar armed forces to cease violence and work to restore respect and credibility with the people of Myanmar that it has lost through its actions.”
The statement was issued by the defence chiefs of Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Human rights group Amnesty International revived criticism that the international community is not doing enough to end the state violence in Myanmar.
“UN Security Council member states’ continued refusal to meaningfully act against this never-ending horror is contemptible,” said Ming Yu Hah, the organisation’s deputy regional director for campaigns. The Security Council has condemned the violence, but has not advocated concerted action against the junta, such as a ban on selling it arms.