Global condemnation follows bloodiest day since Myanmar coup

YANGON – Defence chiefs from a dozen countries today jointly condemned the bloodbath in Myanmar a day earlier, when at least 90 people – including several children – were killed after security forces opened fire on protesters.

The newly imposed junta staged a major show of might for its annual Armed Forces Day yesterday as the death toll since the February 1 coup climbed to at least 423, according to a local monitoring group.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the generals ousted and detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering mass protests demanding a return to democracy.

The defence ministers of 12 countries, including the United States, Britain, Japan and Australia, today condemned the Myanmar military’s use of lethal force against civilians.

“A professional military follows international standards for conduct and is responsible for protecting – not harming – the people it serves,” the rare joint statement 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.”

Mourners were expected to turn out for funeral processions across the country today, after the bloodiest day since the putsch.

In the capital Naypyidaw yesterday, there was a grand parade of troops and military vehicles, and junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing warned in a speech that acts of “terrorism” were unacceptable.

Violence erupted across the country with the military using live rounds in more than 40 townships across nine regions including the largest city here, local monitoring group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said. 

By sunset, it was the deadliest day since the junta seized power, AAPP saying at least 90 people had been killed.

“Junta forces shot machine-guns into residential areas, resulting in many civilians, including six children between 10 and 16 years old, killed,” AAPP said.

“The fact the illegitimate military regime is targeting children is a grave act of inhumanity.”

A reporter in Kyeikhto township, Mon state, was shot with a live bullet and suffered a leg wound, AAPP said. – AFP, March 28, 2021