At least five people were killed and more than two dozen protesters arrested by Myanmar military regime forces on Sunday, bringing the death toll to more than 560 in 63 days since the coup. Among the Easter Sunday deaths were two villagers who were arrested by soldiers and police on April 2.
During a clash with villagers near Thapyayaye village of Yinmabin township, Sagaing region, the regime’s troops arrested about eight civilians including some who had been wounded.
A local resident told The Irrawaddy that families were contacted on Sunday morning and told to retrieve the bodies of two who had been among those arrested. Other arrested villagers have yet to be released.
In Bhamo city of Kachin State, a 25-year-old volunteer night guard was shot dead by the soldiers and police during the forces’ raid on a residential area about 3 a.m. About 10 others were also reported to have been arrested.
Despite the pre-dawn killings, Myanmar’s anti-coup protesters in several cities continued their strikes for the end of the dictatorship by returning to the streets.
Scores of protesters also launched their latest campaign—“Easter egg strike”—by decorating and drawing messages on eggs and sharing the images on social media as well as with the community on Easter Sunday with hopes of reinstating a democratic system in the country.
“May this Easter resurrect our lost future,” a netizen wrote on the web. Another wrote, “May Myanmar be reborn with true democracy again,” and shared pictures of painted eggs.
Since early morning, hundreds of protesters in the country’s second biggest city, Mandalay, marched against the regime.
Mass protests also took place in other towns including Pyinmana of Naypyitaw, Launglon and Dawei of Tanintharyi region, Hpakant of Kachin State, Katha, Kyunhla and Ye U of Sagaing region, Loikaw of Kayah State and Winyaw of Kayin State, Bago region and others.
Two people were shot dead in Pyinmana Township of Naypyitaw as soldiers and police opened fire on protesters on motorbikes. The regime’s forces snatched one body.
At least five anti-regime protesters were detained and others wounded during a crackdown by security forces on a protest in Minelone ward, Loikaw of Kayah State. In Yangon’s Tamwe Township, at least eight youth protesters were also reportedly arrested. Locals reported that soldiers and police made searches door to door while arresting protesters who dispersed before the crackdown.
In Pyay, locally-based media outlet Myaelatt Athan reported the regime’s forces raided the office of Moe Metta, a free funeral services association, on Sunday morning and arrested the chairman of the association.
As of Sunday evening, at least 564 people have been killed by the regime’s forces and more than 2,600 are being held in detention.
You may also like these stories:
Myanmar’s 10 Peace Signatories Back Elected Govt
Seven Gold Panners Killed as Myanmar Military Bombs KNU-Controlled Area
Fifteen More Killed as Myanmar Regime Continues Bloodbath
