Security forces attacked peaceful protesters in Myitkyina, capital of Kachin State in northern Burma, after they tried to leave, and arrested a monk and two youth from a Buddhist monastery.

 

According to a participant, who wished to remain anonymous, police and soldiers pointed their guns at the protesters while they were sitting on the ground peacefully singing in front of a high school on Thursday, February 18.

"We didn't do anything wrong,” the source told NMG, explaining when they tried to leave they were pelted with slingshots. Police also seized a vehicle and several speakers.

Prior to the attack, a drone flew over the demonstration, according to a youth protester, who also requested anonymity. After military and police vehicles arrived at the scene and security forces yelled at the protesters to leave.

Tens of thousands of people have protested against the military government in the Kachin State capital since February 8. Many municipal servants and other government staff have joined youths and others calling for the return to democracy, the release of politicians detained by the military government and for the 2008 Constitution to be scrapped.

On the evening of February 14, security forces used teargas and fired rubber bullets at demonstrators in a horrific show of force that was live streamed on Facebook. There were unconfirmed reports of live rounds fired. Several people were injured, and five journalists and several others were arrested and released the following day.