Burma, SAEDNEWS: Several civilians were reported killed on Saturday as the military government puts on a major show of strength for the annual Armed Forces Day, even as it struggles to quell widespread protests against its rule.
At least three protesters were reportedly killed in the country’s largest city, Yangon, according to Channel News Asia. Earlier, eight people were reported killed in Dala township.
Another protester was also killed and four others were seriously injured in Bago region on Saturday morning, according to The Irrawaddy.
The military earlier warned that pro-democracy protesters risked being shot in the head or back if they continue their demonstrations, adding that it was determined to prevent any disruptions to the military events in the capital, Naypyidaw.
A broadcast on the state MRTV news channel warned on Friday, “You should learn from the tragedy of earlier ugly deaths that you can be in danger of getting shot to the head and back.”
The country has been in turmoil since the generals overthrew and detained civilian ruler Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, triggering an enormous uprising demanding a return to democracy.
Previous processions have seen troops and armour, including tanks, jets and missiles, file past army chief – and now coup leader – General Min Aung Hlaing.
Fears have been swirling that the day, which commemorates the start of the Myanmar army’s resistance to Japanese occupation in World War II, could become a flashpoint for unrest.
Anti-coup activists have called for a fresh round of protests on Saturday against the military government.
Prominent activist Ei Thinzar Maung urged protesters to come out on the streets.
“The time has arrived again to fight the military’s oppression,” she wrote on Facebook.
Despite the violence on Saturday, the leader of Myanmar’s ruling military government, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing continued to say that the military will protect the people and strive for democracy.
“The army seeks to join hands with the entire nation to safeguard democracy,” the general said.
“Violent acts that affect stability and security in order to make demands are inappropriate.”
Overnight, anti-coup protests continued across the country with demonstrators gathering in Budalin township west of Mandalay to hold a candlelight vigil.
There were also reports of the military raiding the Thingangyun Sanpya Hospital and grabbing injured protesters in the largest city of Yangon. There were also reports of people defying a military ban to protest in Dala township, also in Yangon (Source: AlJazeera).
Death Toll Passes Eighty in Myanmar: Army Continues to Kill Defenseless Anti-Coup Protesters
