Myanmar security forces fire live rounds on rally-goers, 3 in critical condition

YANGON – Myanmar security forces fired live rounds and tear gas at protesters again today, leaving at least three people critically injured as regional powers rebuke the junta over its deadly crackdown.

The country has seen weeks of mass protests demanding the release of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been in detention since the February 1 military coup.

Soldiers and police have steadily stepped up their use of force, deploying tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets, and increasingly, live rounds.

Sunday was the bloodiest day since the military takeover, with the United Nations saying at least 18 protesters were killed across the country. AFP independently confirmed 11 deaths.

Another rally turned violent today, in the northwestern town of Kale, where security forces opened fire on protesters, according to medics who witnessed events and treated those wounded. 

“About 20 people were injured in a morning crackdown by police and soldiers in Kale,” said a rescue worker, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of repercussions. 

“Three... were hit by live rounds and are in critical condition.”

Police initially deployed tear gas and rubber bullets before doubling back with live rounds, he added.

A doctor who treated patients at a local hospital confirmed the number of people in critical condition. 

“One was hit in his thigh, and he’s now under operation. Another one got hit in the abdomen and he requires blood transfusions... Another one got hit in the chest.”

‘No mercy, just bullies’

The bloodshed comes on the same day as the funeral held in the commercial capital 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 moved through a sea of thousands to an altar. Some climbed trees to catch a glimpse of the procession. 

“No mercy, just bullies – dead bodies are here and there,” the mourners sang in unison as they flashed a three-finger salute.

“Oh, the brave heroes who died for democracy.”

Rallies also continued in several neighbourhoods here today, with demonstrators wearing hard hats and wielding improvised home-made shields. 

In San Chaung township – which saw crackdowns in recent days – hundreds of police came out in force. 

“They used tear gas and were shooting as well,” said a resident.

About 15 minutes away, near the popular shopping area of Yuzana Plaza, local media livestreamed protesters chanting as what appeared to be smoke from tear gas whizzed their way.

“We threw wet blankets to the protesters for them to cover the canisters to prevent the tear gas (from spreading),” said a resident living by the plaza, adding that she saw some demonstrators being arrested.

More than 1,200 people have been detained, charged and sentenced since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group, with about 900 still behind bars. 

But, the number is likely far higher – state-run media reported that on Sunday alone, more than 1,300 people were arrested. 

A Myanmar journalist was detained overnight in the southern city of Myeik – the latest among the country’s press corps to be targeted by security forces. 

Reporters Without Borders said at least 10 journalists are in jail, and 26 have been arrested since the coup.

‘Not acceptable’

The unrest continued as foreign ministers from the 10-member Asean bloc held a virtual meeting that included a Myanmar representative.

Ahead of the talks, some regional powers broke with diplomatic traditions and issued unusually harsh rebukes to Myanmar’s junta. 

“To use lethal force against civilians and unarmed demonstrators, I think it is just not acceptable,” Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told BBC.

After the meeting, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi expressed concern about rising violence and deaths, as well as frustration over a lack of cooperation from the Myanmar regime.

“It takes two to tango. Asean’s good intentions and readiness will be meaningless if Myanmar does not open its door to Asean,” she said, adding that the restoration of democracy should be supported.

She also called for the release of political detainees.

Observers are sceptical about what difference the bloc can make, pointing to its policies of non-interference and making decisions based on consensus. – AFP, March 2, 2021