Death Toll Reaches 260: Myanmar Military Regime Apologizes, Calls China A Friend

Myanmar military anti-coup demonstration. (Twitter / @ HsuChiKo1)

JAKARTA - The violence and brutality of the Myanmar military regime continue. At least three people were killed in the anti-coup demonstration by the Myanmar military on Tuesday, March 23 yesterday.

The Myanmar police and military used tear gas, stun grenades, and gunfire to repel a crowd in Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay.

Ko Chan Thar, 21, was shot dead on Tuesday morning. In the afternoon, Ma Khin Myo Chit (7) was also shot dead during a house-to-house raid carried out by the Myanmar military regime. That evening, a 25-year-old man was shot dead and three others were injured in a raid on Aung Pin Lae's ward.

A total of at least 260 people have died during the Myanmar military anti-coup demonstration which took place on February 1, reported The Irrawaddy.

"There are no words to describe their (police and army) brutal behavior. We can only be at peace without them in our country", said Ko Than Naing Htun, brother of the victim who was killed.

"We just want the government we choose. We don't want a government like this that takes power by force", he added.

Separately, a spokesman for the Myanmar military regime expressed grief over the deaths of 164 demonstrators during the violence in the Land of a Thousand Pagodas.

However, the regime accused anti-coup protesters of destroying property and provoking riots. The regime also said nine security personnel were killed during rallies in various regions of Myanmar.

"We regret their losses because they are also our citizens. Strikes and hospitals that are not fully operational have caused death, including from COVID-19. They (protesters) are unwise and unethical", said a spokesman for the Myanmar military regime Zaw Min Tun launched Reuters.

On the same occasion, Zaw Min Tun also appreciated the five neighboring countries which he said respected the stability of Myanmar's internal affairs. Zaw Min Tun only said that China is friends with Myanmar, without specifying other countries or the extent of their cooperation.

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.