Protesters killed in Myanmar

•  China asks Myanmar to save Chinese factories

Special Desk

In what can be said a ‘blood day’, at least 14-protesters were reportedly killed in clashes in Myanmar’s Yangon city as politicians ousted by the military coup called for revolution.

Security forces opened fire in Hlaing Tharyar where some protesters fought back with sticks and knives. The army has also detained Aung San Suu Kyi, the country’s civilian leader and head of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party. NLD won a landslide in last year’s election but the military alleged there had been widespread fraud.

Security forces used rubber bullets and live rounds, according to medics quoted by the various news agencies. At least 14 protesters were killed, according the Myanmar Now website, while other local reports said the toll was higher. “Three died in front of me while I was giving treatment. I’m sending another two to hospital. That’s all I can say at this moment,” a medic said.

Gunshots were heard throughout the day and military trucks were seen in the streets. Some of the ousted MPs have refused to accept last month’s coup and have gone into hiding. In his first public address, their leader Mahn Win Khaing Than, has urged protesters to defend themselves against the military crackdown during what he called a “revolution”.

“This is the darkest moment of the nation and the moment that the dawn is close,” he said. Mahn Win Khaing Than was appointed the CRPH’s acting head and the group is seeking international recognition as Myanmar’s rightful government.

Plumes of smoke were seen rising from a nearby industrial area. China said Chinese-funded factories were attacked and set on fire and several Chinese nationals had been injured. China has urged Myanmar to save Chinese factories.

In a statement, the Chinese embassy urged Myanmar to “take further effective measures to stop all acts of violence, punish the perpetrators in accordance with the law and ensure the safety of life and property of Chinese companies and personnel in Myanmar”.

Several other deaths at the hands of the military were reported in other parts of Myanmar, including a young man shot dead by security forces in the northern jade-producing city of Hpakant and a man killed in Bago to the north of Yangon.

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Meanwhile state TV said one police officer had been killed. Three more were injured by protesters throwing rocks and using catapults in the Bago region.

Myanmar became independent from Britain in 1948. For much of its modern history, it has been under military rule.