Two Civilians Shot in Myanmar Junta Crackdown in Myingyan

By The Irrawaddy 18 April 2021

A young man shot by junta forces in Myingyan Township, Mandalay Region, on Sunday during a crackdown on an anti-regime protest is in a critical condition, according to a rescue association.

Ko Tun Oo in his 20s was working at a rice retailer when he was shot above his eye when he was told to shut the building’s doors after hearing gunfire.

He was probably shot at close range, according to witnesses, as the rice retailer is next to a paint shop where soldiers were seen taking positions.

Another young man was injured when junta forces opened fire on protesters in No.8 ward in Myingyan.

A rescue worker said the injured protester only sustained minor injuries.

Ko Tun Oo, who was not in the protest, was shot after his employer told him to shut the shop’s doors.

The rescuer said: “His condition is very serious. The hospital in Myingyan is closed and the private clinic and volunteer doctors do not have the equipment to operate, so he was transferred to the military hospital.”

The security forces’ crackdown in Myingyan has left at least 25 dead since March 3.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 730 people have been killed, including bystanders since the Feb. 1 coup.

The association said Ko Aung Ko Ko Phyo, 25, died on Saturday night after being shot in the head at around 9pm in Kyaukme, northern Shan State, when he and two other friends were on a motorbike. His two friends were detained by soldiers and their details are unknown.

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