Myanmar security forces kill two protesters during anti-coup demonstration

SECURITY forces have shot dead two people in northern Myanmar, local media reported, as the military government continued its attempt to stamp out opposition to its February 1 coup.

The Irrawaddy newspaper said the victims were shot in the head during anti-coup protests in Myitkyina in Kachin State.

Graphic video on social media showed protesters in the street backing away from tear gas, responding with rocks, then fleeing after a fusillade of what seemed to be automatic gunfire.

Demonstrators hurriedly carried away a number of casualties, including one apparent fatality, a person who had clearly sustained a head wound.

A second body was seen a little later, on a stretcher, his head covered with a cloth.

Security forces also clamped down on anti-coup protesters elsewhere yesterday, firing tear gas to break up a crowd of about 1,000 people who were demonstrating in the capital Naypyitaw.

The protesters deployed fire extinguishers to create a smoke screen as they fled from authorities.

Meanwhile, thousands of protesters marching in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, dispersed on their own amid fears soldiers and police were planning to use force to break up their demonstration.

Large-scale protests have occurred daily across many cities and towns in Myanmar since the country’s military seized power, and security forces have responded with ever greater use of lethal force and mass arrests.

The coup and its violent aftermath have led foreign governments and international organisations to impose measures against Myanmar’s military leaders.

In the latest example, Australia suspended its defence co-operation with Myanmar and is redirecting humanitarian aid in the country because of last month’s military coup and the ongoing detention of an Australian citizen.