Bloody Week: 39 Protesters Killed, 134 Victims Death For Myanmar Military Anti-coup

Myanmar military anti-coup protests. (Twitter / @ htza97)

JAKARTA - Sunday, March 14, 2021, became the bloodiest day in the anti-coup demonstration by the Myanmar military, when 39 people died throughout the day before.

Launching The Irrawaddy, the number of victims who died yesterday exceeded the death toll on March 3, in which 28 protesters were killed. Until yesterday, the number of protesters who died reached 134 people.

Myanmar military regime security forces killed at least 22 anti-coup protesters in the industrial suburb of Hlaingthaya, Myanmar after Chinese-funded factories were set on fire there, an advocacy group said.

Meanwhile, 16 other protesters died elsewhere, said the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), as well as a policeman, making it the bloodiest day since the February 1 coup against elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Chinese embassy said many Chinese workers were injured and caught in the arson attack by unidentified assailants on a garment factory in Hlaingthaya and had asked Myanmar to protect Chinese property and citizens.

As smoke rose from the industrial area, security forces opened fire on protesters on the outskirts of the city which is home to migrants from across the country, local media said.

“It was terrible. People were shot in front of my eyes. It will never leave my memory”, said a photojournalist at the scene who did not wish to be named, told Reuters.

Army-run Myawadday television said security forces acted after four garment and fertilizer factories were set on fire and about 2,000 people had stopped fire engines from reaching them. However, a spokesman for the Myanmar military regime did not answer calls seeking comment.

In line with the current conditions, the Myanmar military regime imposed martial law in Yangon and Shwepyitha on Sunday night, regime-run television announced.

Both cities are factory centers and homes for garment workers. With this status, Yangon regional military commanders have the administrative and legal authority to act to maintain security and law order.

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.