YANGON – Security forces today opened fire on anti-coup protesters in eastern Karen state in Myanmar, as demonstrators took to the streets in nationwide dawn rallies to demand a return to democracy.
The military junta has unleashed a deadly wave of violence as it struggles to quell nationwide protests against the February 1 ouster and arrest of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
But protesters have continued calling for the military to step down, defying night-time curfews to stage candlelight vigils for the dead, and taking to the streets early in dawn marches to avoid security forces.
In the city of Hpa-An in Karen, protesters were preparing sandbags around 6am today (2330 GMT) when scores of soldiers and police swooped in and tried to clear the streets using stun grenades.
“After that, they shot with rubber bullets and real bullets, about 50 shots,” a protester said.
“A student got shot in the thigh by a live round and is now receiving medical treatment.”
A local resident confirmed the crackdown, saying it started before the protest had got under way.
Despite the police action, protesters in Hpa-An continued staging impromptu gatherings throughout the day, driving through the town and flashing the three-finger salute – a sign of resistance against the junta. – AFP, March 25, 2021
