At least two killed at anti-coup rally

Bout of violence comes as the US calls on military junta to yield power

TWO people were killed in Myanmar’s second city Mandalay when police fired to disperse protesting opponents of a Feb 1 military coup, emergency workers said.

“Twenty people were injured and two are dead,” said Ko Aung, a leader of the Parahita Darhi volunteer emergency service agency in the city.

Earlier, it was reported that security forces fired live rounds at protesters yesterday after a police raid at a shipyard turned violent, leaving at least six wounded.

The use of live rounds was confirmed by a doctor at the scene.

Washington has urged the leaders of Myanmar’s new military regime to refrain from violence and relinquish power, after the death of a young anti-coup protester sparked new anger against the junta.

Much of the country has been in uproar since troops deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb 1, with large street demonstrations in both urban centres and isolated villages.

Security forces have responded with increasing force, deploying troops against peaceful rallies and firing tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets.

Condemnation of the violence has been fierce, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held talks with allied countries in recent days to press for a firm international response.

“We reiterate our calls on the Burmese military to refrain from violence against peaceful protesters,” spokesman Ned Price said on Friday.

“We will work with partners and allies to press the military to reverse its actions.”

A doctor in Naypyidaw had earlier announced the first confirmed death in the protests.

Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, who turned 20 last Thursday as she lay unconscious in a hospital bed, was shot in the head during a demonstration in the capital last week.

She has since become a symbol of resistance for protesters, who have hoisted her photos high in demonstrations and even unfurled a massive banner of artwork from a bridge showing the moment she was shot.

The foreign ministers of Singapore and Indonesia have also expressed “grave concern” over the situation in Myanmar and support a proposal to hold an informal Asean ministerial meeting on Myanmar, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The statement was issued after Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan met his Indonesian counterpart, Retno Marsudi, in Singapore on Thursday to exchange views on the ongoing developments in Myanmar.

Nearly 550 people have been detained since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

The country emerged from its sixth straight overnight Internet curfew yesterday, a measure imposed as neighbourhoods around the country began setting up watch groups to guard against evening arrests.

Internet monitor Netblocks reported that Wikipedia had been blocked in the country, joining a list of banned content that includes Facebook and other social media services. The junta has justified its power seizure by alleging widespread electoral fraud in November’s elections, which Suu Kyi’s party won in a landslide.

The Nobel laureate – who has not been seen since she was detained in dawn raids – has been hit with two charges, one of them for possessing unregistered walkie-talkies. Her hearing is set for March 1. Meanwhile, famous singers gathered at the protest site and entertained protesters with songs to ease stress during the rally.

A member of the military also joined the ongoing anti-coup protest in Monywa, Sagaing Region, on Thursday.

In the protest, he called on servicemen to stay out of the dictatorial rule.

“Look at the faces of people. I couldn’t bear being scorned by the people when I went out of my battalion to buy some food.

“I felt compelled to join the CDM (civil disobedience movement). Since some police are also joining the CDM, the rest should also do it,” the sergeant said.