Violent crackdown on protesters continues throughout country

Thousands of pro-democracy protesters took to the streets on March 25 marching in procession against the State Administrative Council (SAC) which took power in a coup almost two months ago. Security forces again employed violence in dispersing the protesters in many places across the country, resulting in numerous casualties, some fatal.

In the Shan State capital of Taunggyi in Kanthar Ward, SAC troops opened fire on peaceful protesters with live ammunition on Thursday afternoon. Local people reported that four people were killed and at least five wounded in the confrontation. SAC troops also fired rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades in the crackdown, arresting several protesters. Local citizens say security forces opened fire in the capital city as if it were a jungle battlefield. Security forces also forcibly entered houses and destroyed motorcycles without providing any rationale, beating some people and students before arresting them.

In the town of Khin-U in Sagaing Region, SAC troops opened fire on anti-coup protesters, wounding three, with one in critical condition. People had blocked the Shwebo-Khin-U highway in the morning and were attacked by security forces while staging anti-coup protests in the streets near the Khin-U police station.

Similarly, SAC troops opened fire on protesters in the morning in the Kayin State capital of Hpa-an on March 25. The crackdown saw one youth seriously injured after being shot near the bladder. He is expected to recover after undergoing emergency surgery.

In Mohnyin town in Kachin State, one person was killed and six wounded during a violent crackdown by security forces. Troops dispersed a crowd marching in procession in Setkone Ward, arresting ten protesters.

Following the confrontation in Mohnyin town, monks went to the police station to negotiate with police for the release of the protesters, after which police opened fire on those in front of the police station and township court. In this shooting, Win Swe from the No. 3 Ward of Mohnyin was shot in the abdomen and later died at about 1 p.m.

In Thingangyun Township, Yangon Thit Ward, 11 people suffered gunshot wounds in a violent crackdown by SAC troops, of which four were seriously wounded. An additional 20 people were arrested in the area.  

Finally, armed troops cleared and destroyed roadblocks and barricades erected by local protesters on Thanthumar Street, Thuwunna, Thingangyun Township, and then entered the ward and intimidated the local population by showing their guns.

A police informer in the area reportedly gave the precise location of protest movement leaders of the frontline defense team in the area of Thuwunna along with the location where their shields were hidden. Troops then proceeded to enter this area and seized the shields and other protective equipment. Afterwards police and army units were seen searching the area to locate and arrest youth protesters. Troops also reportedly destroyed Wifi cables and other Internet connection cables in the area.

Protesters remain defiant despite army and police violence

People across Myanmar are defying the violent crackdown on anti-coup protest demonstrations. This includes in Mandalay, one of the cities hardest-hit in the violent crackdown by armed troops loyal to the State Administrative Council (SAC). In the last four days, over 30 people including children as young as seven were killed, with hundreds of protesters wounded and arrested. Yet the people of Mandalay remain defiant in their protest movement against the SAC.

Famous anti-coup protest columns such as Myataung, Sangha Samagga, Healthcare Family, Engineer Group, Education Family, Peacock Warriors, Industry etc. still come out on the streets on a daily basis to demonstrate despite the risk of violence. Protests have been staged in a variety of manners, including a dawn strike, walking strike, motorcycle riding strike, sit-ins and a night strike.

Yangon is also one of the hardest-hit cities, with many people killed in violent crackdowns against protesters. But, as with Mandalay, protests continue in Yangon on a daily basis, taking such forms as dawn strikes and night strikes. Similarly, in Twante in Yangon Region, people staged a floating strike on the river on the morning of March 25.

Besides Mandalay and Yangon, in Sagaing Region, Mon State, Kachin State, Magway Region, Kayah State and Bago Region, anti-coup protest demonstrations continue in the face of police and military violence