Myanmar: UN urges Myanmar to take action against anyone who uses excessive force.
The United Nations has called on Myanmar to take action against anyone who uses excessive force against unarmed civilians after security forces rammed a vehicle into an anti-coup protester, killing five of them. according to media and eyewitnesses.
Photos and videos posted on social media showed a speeding vehicle speeding past a group of anti-coup protesters on Sunday in the main city of Yangon and bodies lying in the streets. Witnesses told Reuters dozens of people were injured.
“Those responsible for the excessive and disproportionate use of force against unarmed civilians,” said Ramanathan Balakrishnan, the UN’s resident coordinator for Myanmar.
The Myanmar Now portal said the incident occurred minutes after a “flash mob” of opponents of the February 1 military coup formed. As well as at least five deaths, 15 people have also been arrested, it said.
Myanmar’s Global New light newspaper reported that security forces had broken up an “illegal riot” and arrested eight protesters. It said three people were injured but did not mention any deaths and said those arrested would face legal action.
The US embassy in a statement said it was “appalled by reports that security forces opened fire against, overran and killed a number of peaceful protesters”.
The anti-army protests have not stopped despite the killing of more than 1,300 people since the February overthrow of a democratically elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and the return of military rule. NS.
One of Sunday’s protesters said he fell after being hit by a car before fleeing.
“A soldier hit me with his rifle but I defended him and pushed him back. He then immediately shot at me as I ran zig-zag,” said the unnamed protester. told Reuters by phone. .
Two witnesses said the vehicle occupied by soldiers crashed into the crowd from behind. The soldiers chased the scattered protesters, arresting and beating some.
Some were wounded with head injuries and lost consciousness, according to witnesses.
An army spokesman did not respond to Reuters’ attempt to reach him for comment on the incident.
Earlier, the military said the protesters killed had incited the violence. It says it staged the coup because an election last November won by Ms Suu Kyi’s party was rigged.
The Electoral Commission at the time denied this assertion.
Suu Kyi, 76, faces dozens of legal lawsuits against her, including incitement and violation of COVID-19 protocol. Her supporters say the allegations are politically motivated.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and was automatically generated from the feed provided.)
