Horror in Myanmar: 100 feared dead, including children, as soldiers shoot coup protesters

More than 100 unarmed civilians, including children, were killed yesterday by police and soldiers in Myanmar’s deadliest day since the military coup.

Among the victims was a five-year-old boy, two 13-year-old boys and a 14-year-old girl. A one-year-old girl who was playing near pro-democracy demonstrators was also struck in the eye by a rubber bullet but was expected to survive.

At least 114 people were killed by security forces hours after army general Min Aung Hlaing, who led the overthrow of Myanmar’s civilian government last month, told a military parade he would protect all people from danger.

The death toll, which drew international condemnation, is greater than all estimates for the previous high on March 14, which ranged in counts from 74 to 90 deaths.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “Today’s killing of unarmed civilians, including children, marks a new low. We will work with our international partners to end this senseless violence, hold those responsible to account, and secure a path back to democracy.”

SNP foreign affairs spokesperson Alyn Smith MP said: “This is a shocking and deeply troubling development in an ever-deepening crisis. I condemn the horrific actions taken by the military, which has resulted in such an appalling civilian death toll in what is a dark day for Myanmar.”

The Tatmadaw, as the military is known, is attempting to suppress opposition to the February 1 coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

The coup reversed years of progress towards democracy after five decades of military rule. Students, monks, nuns, health workers and teachers have all taken part in demonstrations to demand a return to the path to democracy. More than 400 protestors have been killed.

Dan Chugg, Britain’s ambassador to Myanmar, said: “On Myanmar’s Armed Forces Day, the security forces have disgraced themselves by shooting unarmed civilians. Dozens of innocent people have reportedly been killed, including children. At a time of economic crisis, Covid and a worsening humanitarian situation, today’s military parade and extra-judicial killings speak volumes for the priorities of the military junta.”

News agency Myanmar Now said last night it had official confirmation of 114 deaths in 44 towns where demonstrations were held yesterday. The numbers include 40 deaths in Mandalay and 27 in Yangon.

Myingyan resident Thu Ya Zaw said: “They are killing us like birds or chickens, even in our homes. We will keep protesting regardless.”

The deaths were reported as Myanmar’s military celebrated Armed Forces Day holiday with a parade in the capital, Naypyitaw.

The European Union’s delegation to Myanmar said in a statement: “This 76th Myanmar Armed Forces Day will stay engraved as a day of terror and dishonour. The killing of unarmed civilians, including children, are indefensible acts.”

US ambassador Thomas Vajda said: “Security forces are murdering unarmed civilians.”

General Min Aung Hlaing did not directly refer to the protest movement when he gave his nationally televised Armed Forces Day speech. He referred only to terrorism which he said can be harmful to state tranquillity and social security, and called it unacceptable.