Myanmar Military Regime Collects IDR 1.2 Million From Families Of Victims Who Want To Retrieve Their Families' Bodies

JAKARTA - Myanmar's military is demanding the families of the victims of the deaths to pay 120.000 Myanmar kyats, or USD 85, for about IDR 1.243.639 to retrieve the families of those killed in violence against protesters in Bago on Friday, April 9.

At least 82 people were killed Friday in Bago, 90 kilometers (56 miles) northeast of Yangon, after the city was raided by military security forces, said advocacy group the Aid for Political Prisoners (AAPP).

AAPP said that Myanmar's military opened fire on anti-coup protesters in Bago City Friday, using assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and hand grenades.

More than 700 people have been killed since the military overthrew Myanmar's elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in a February 1 coup, according to the AAPP. Since then, the regime security forces made up of police, soldiers and elite counter-insurgency forces have carried out a systematic crackdown on unarmed and peaceful protesters, detaining some 3.000 people and forcing activists into hiding.

An eyewitness living in Bago City, who cannot be named for security purposes, said that many residents had fled to nearby villages since Friday's raids. Internet networks have been cut off in the area since Friday, witnesses said and security forces were searching the neighborhood.

"I live on the main road. Security forces often come and go. Because of the threat, we had to move to a house in the nearest lane", an eyewitness told CNN on Monday, April 12. He added that bodies had been piled up in the morgue after the shooting.

Not only that, but the military is now suing the families of 120.000 Myanmar kyat or about 85 U.S. dollars to retrieve the bodies of relatives who died in Friday's attack, according to a Facebook post from the University of Bago Students' Union.

Burma Radio Free Asia's service matched a report from the University of Bago Student Association. CNN has not independently verified the report and has contacted the military for comment

Meanwhile, Myanmar's military regime claimed its troops were attacked by protesters in Bago Friday, according to a state-run newspaper.

"Security forces were attacked by mobs while removing roadblocks reinforced by rioters on the streets of Bago yesterday", wrote the Global New Light of Myanmar report.

"Rioters used handmade weapons, Molotov cocktails, arrows, shields, and handmade grenades to attack security forces. Evidence of grenades and ammunition seized indicates small weapons were used", the report added.

Regarding the Myanmar coup. VOI editorial team continues to monitor the political situation in one of ASEAN's member countries. Civilian casualties continue to fall. Readers can follow the news about Myanmar's military coup by clicking this link.