[ad_1]
At least two people were killed by gunfire in Myanmar on Saturday as security forces used live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, high-pressure water and other means against protesters demonstrating against the military coup that took place there. place on February 1st.
About 500 police and soldiers gathered at a shipyard in the country’s second largest city, Mandalay, to disperse workers and other demonstrators, sparking a hours-long scuffle during which protesters hurled stones at police.
Security forces dispersed the protesters using firearms and other means of force, leaving two dead and 20 wounded, according to the online news site Irrawaddy.
Demonstrators, area residents and journalists reportedly fled after security forces pursued them, attacking a group of journalists with tear gas and other vehicles.
Security forces have stepped up violence against protesters, who have clashed with Myanmar security forces since the army arrested de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other civilian officials on February 1.
The military declared a one-year state of emergency, amid allegations of widespread fraud in last November’s general election, which was convincingly won by leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy. The army’s claims have been rejected by the electoral commission.
Since then, tens of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Myanmar’s largest cities, challenging a strict curfew and banning gatherings of more than four people. Protesters held pro-democracy slogans and photos of leader Suu Kyi. During rallies they hold three fingers high, a sign of resistance against tyranny that has spread from the very famous movie “Hunger Games”.
In addition to the protests, government and civil service workers have gone on strike, sparking train crashes across the country. The military has ordered the return of civil servants to work, threatening to take action against them. Employees from other walks of life have also quit their jobs in recent days.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who led the coup, promised last week on television that new elections would be held to bring about what he called “a true and disciplined democracy”, but did not elaborate. when they would take place./VOA /
top channel
[ad_2]
Source link
