Police raise level of force against demonstrations
YANGON, Myanmar — Myanmar security forces cracked down on coup protesters in the country’s secondlargest city on Friday, injuring at least three people, two of whom were shot in the chest by rubber bullets and another who suffered a wound on his leg.
Protesters had gathered outside a park in Mandalay when security forces arrived and began firing what sounded like gunshots and using flash bang grenades to disperse the crowd. Bullets, shell casings, and other projectiles were later found by local residents and shown to journalists.
The confrontations underscore the rising tensions between a growing popular revolt and the generals who toppled the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in a Feb. 1 takeover that shocked the international community and reversed years of slow progress toward democracy.
At the United Nations on Friday, Myanmar’s ambassador strongly opposed the coup in his country and appealed for “the strongest possible action from the international community” to restore democracy in a dramatic speech to the General Assembly that drew loud applause from diplomats.
Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun urged all countries to issue public statements strongly condemning the military coup and refuse to recognize the military junta and ask its leaders to respect the free and fair elections in November won by Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party.
In Yangon on Friday, security fired warning shots and beat truncheons against their shields while moving to disperse more than 1,000 protesters. The demonstrators had gathered in front of a popular shopping mall, denouncing the coup even as the security presence increased and a watercannon truck was brought to the area.
When around 50 riot police moved against the protesters, warning shots could be heard, and at least one demonstrator was held by officers. Security forces chased the protesters off the main road and continued to pursue them in the nearby lanes, as some ducked into houses to hide.
Suu Kyi has not been seen since the coup. Around 50 of her supporters held a prayer Friday opposite her home in Yangon. The home is where she spent many years under house arrest during previous military governments, and the residence has long had iconic status among her supporters.
“Because of the situation, on this day of the full moon we are sending love to, and reciting Buddha’s teachings for Mother Suu, President U Win Myint and all those unlawfully detained,” said Hmuu Sitt yan Naing, who joined the prayer group.
It is believed Suu Kyi is currently being detained in the capital Naypyitaw. She is due in court Monday on charges brought against her by the junta. The charges are widely seen as politically motivated.