Security forces continued unleashing its wave of violence on protesters, killing and injuring youths and arresting others who dared to demonstrate against the junta in three towns across southern and eastern Shan State on March 19. Despite the regime’s repression, which has increased in recent weeks, protesters refuse to back down.

Aung Pan

At least nine people are dead after security forces opened fire on them during a peaceful protest. According to locals, security forces fired live rounds, teargas and sound bombs at the crowd of mostly youth.

A man friends with four of the victims told SHAN that everyone who was shot was young. The oldest one killed was 31. During the crackdown, twenty-four were injured, with three people listed in critical condition. Authorities arrested at least four protesters.

“I do not have words for what they did today…they have no humanity,” said another protester. “We will continue protesting against the military regime until we end the dictatorship in our country.”

Tachileik

At least six people were arrested at a demonstration in the town in eastern Shan State along the Thai border. Locals told SHAN security forces searched for the youths for two days before arresting them on Friday afternoon.

A man knowledgeable on the situation said the numbers of those arrested could even be higher. “We don’t have exact numbers right now,” he told SHAN.

Despite the crackdown, demonstrators continue to resist the military regime in different ways. Last week, they protested on their motorcycles.

Taunggyi

Security forces arrested a minor in the Shan State capital.

Sai Aung Thant Htut, 17, was picked up when security forces attacked a demonstration he attended on Friday morning. 

Taunggyi Township High School Students Union demanded for authorities in southern Shan State to release the Grade 10 student.