Security forces shot dead two people in northern Myanmar on Monday, local media reported, as the military Government continued its attempt to stamp out opposition to its February 1 coup.
The Irrawaddy newspaper said the victims were shot in the head during anti-coup protests in Myitkyina in Kachin State. Graphic video on social media showed protesters in the street backing away from tear gas, responding with rocks, then fleeing after a fusillade of what seemed to be automatic gunfire.
Demonstrators hurriedly carried away a number of casualties, including one apparent fatality, a person who had clearly sustained a severe head wound.
A second body was seen a little later, on a stretcher, his head covered with a cloth.
Security forces also clamped down on anti-coup protesters elsewhere Monday, firing tear gas to break up a crowd of around 1,000 people who were demonstrating in the capital, Naypyitaw.
The protesters deployed fire extinguishers to create a smoke screen as they fled from authorities.
Meanwhile, thousands of protesters marching in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, dispersed on their own amid fears that soldiers and police were planning to use force to break up their demonstration.
Large-scale protests have occurred daily across many cities and towns in Myanmar since the country’s military seized power, and security forces have responded with ever greater use of lethal force and mass arrests.
The coup and its violent aftermath have led foreign governments and international organizations to impose measures against Myanmar’s military leaders.
In the latest example, Australia suspended its defense cooperation with Myanmar and is redirecting humanitarian aid in the country because of last month’s military takeover of the government and the ongoing detention of an Australian citizen.
Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Monday that diplomats and relatives had only been able to contact economic policy adviser Sean Turnell twice by phone since he was detained in early February. She described the access as “very limited consular support.”
Australia announced late Sunday that it had suspended a defense training program with Myanmar worth about 1.5 million Australian dollars (USD 1.2 million) over five years.
