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Security forces in Myanmar opened fire and made mass arrests as they sought to break up protests against the military’s seizure of power, and a UN human rights official said it had credible info0rmation that 18 people were killed and 30 were wounded.
That would be the highest single-day death toll among protesters who are demanding that the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi be restored to power after being ousted by a February 1 coup.
Deaths reportedly occurred as a result of live ammunition fired into crowds in Yangon, Dawei, Mandalay, Myeik, Bago and Pokokku, the UN Human Rights Office said in a statement referring to several cities, adding that the forces also used tear gas, flash-bang grenades and stun grenades.
“We strongly condemn the escalating violence against protests in Myanmar and call on the military to immediately halt the use of force against peaceful protesters, its spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani was quoted saying.
The Indian embassy issued a statement reported ANI, stating : Deeply saddened by loss of lives in Yangon & other cities of Myanmar today. We express our heartfelt condolences to families & loved ones of those deceased. We’d urge all to exercise restraint and resolve issues through dialogue in a peaceful manner.
