Four inmates were killed, and a dozen others seriously injured in a riot that erupted at a prison located in Lelkone ward, Myitkyina Township, Kachin State.

According to sources close to the prison, authorities reportedly opened fire on the riot that began at approximately 4:00 pm on April 18, resulting in the deaths of four inmates and injuries to 12 others.

The bodies of the deceased inmates as well as the injured prisoners have been transported to Myitkyina Hospital.

"We still do not know how the prison riot started, but after things calmed down, we confirmed four deaths and twelve injuries. All have been taken to Myitkyina Hospital”, a source told KNG.

Residents living near the prison reported hearing chants coming from the facility around 4:00 pm, followed by over 50 gunshots in total.

Speculations suggest that the riot might have been triggered by dissatisfaction with the Junta's amnesty on April 17, but KNG could not independently confirm this.

On April 17, which marks Myanmar's traditional new year day, 42 prisoners from Myitkyina Prison were granted amnesty.