Several killed during fresh Myanmar protests as martial law imposed in two townships

IslamNews – Security forces killed at least 14 protesters in a poor, industrial suburb of Myanmar’s main city Yangon on Sunday and at least three people in other parts of the country, according to local media. The junta imposed martial law on two Yangon townships, state media said.

State television said a policeman had also been killed in one of the bloodiest days of protests against the February 1 coup.

China’s embassy called on Myanmar to protect its property and citizens after saying two Chinese-financed garment factories were set ablaze by unknown attackers.

Protests are now in their sixth week since the coup toppled elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and plunged the Southeast Asian country into turmoil, with the economy paralysed by strikes by opponents of the army takeover.

Security forces opened fire on protesters in the Hlaingthaya district of the city, a poor suburb that is home to migrants from across the country, domestic media said. Plumes of black smoke rose over the area.

Myanmar’s junta declared martial law over two townships in its largest city Yangon on Sunday night, state-run media reported.

The announcement — which will impose “judicial martial law” on Hlaing Tharyar and neighbouring Shwepyitha townships — comes after the area saw at least 15 killed in crackdowns by security forces against anti-coup protesters on Sunday.

Source: France24