Fighting Against While Being Detained, Six Anti-Coup Protesters Shot Dead By Myanmar Military Regime

The Myanmar military aims its weapons. (Twitter / @ yoonmay111)

JAKARTA - The Myanmar military regime has again carried out repressive and brutal actions in the face of the February 1 anti-coup demonstration. Eight protesters were recorded as killed today, Thursday, March 11.

Six of the eight protesters killed today were in the city of Myaing, as security forces attempted to break up the demonstration at 11 noon local time.

Eyewitnesses said that the security forces were involved in a clash with a group of protesters who resisted when they were about to be arrested, because they were reluctant to disperse. The authorities also said that they immediately opened fire on the protesters.

“One of the protesters was shot near the groin. Another was shot in the head. The right side of his head was crushed by the impact of the bullet, "a protester who witnessed the shooting told Myanmar Now.

The six people killed were men, the oldest aged 36 and three of whom were under 30, according to residents who saw their bodies in the morgue of a local public hospital. Two from Myaing City, and four from a nearby village.

Protests against the military regime started in Myaing Township in early February, as have happened across Myanmar. Locals noted that Thursday's crackdown marked an increase in the response tactics of the security forces, and for the first time since the protests began, they have opened fire on the public.

"In the previous days, the police were negotiating with the protesters, (asking them) not to come out and protest today," said a Myaing resident.

"They warned, if they were given orders to shoot. This is the first time there has been a crackdown on shootings in Myaing. They did not shoot or arrest anyone in the previous days, "added the resident.

He said that after the shooting, military trucks arrived at Myaing from Pakkoku, where the 101st Light Infantry Division (LID) was based, along with the 235 and 251 Light Infantry Battalions (LIB).

Deadly shootings similar to those in Myaing were also reported on Thursday in Mogok City, Mandalay, as well as in Yangon North Dagon Township, with at least one person killed in both regions. Another protester was also reported to have been shot in the head during a demonstration in downtown Mandalay.

At least 60 people have been killed, hundreds injured and nearly 2,000 people have been detained by Myanmar's military regime since last month's coup. In response, millions of people took to the streets across the country in protest against the dictatorship.

Myanmar Coup. The VOI editorial team continues to monitor the political situation in one of the ASEAN member countries. Casualties from civilians continue to fall. Readers can follow the news surrounding the Myanmar military coup by tapping on this link.