Protesters violently attack some members of security troops in Mawlamyine of Mon State

Nay Pyi Taw  February  12

The country is currently seeing protests in some large cities, and as it is assumed that disturbances can deteriorate peace and stability of the State, public security, the rule of law and community peace and tranquility, Article 144 of Criminal Procedure has been imposed with the prohibition of any gatherings of five or more persons.

However, some 200 protesters including students and local people led by Nyo Min, son of U Htay Win and Tun Nyein Oo, son of U Tun Lwin were unlawfully marching into the downtown Mawlamyine from the area in front of Mawlamyine University in Zaygyo Ward in Mawlamyine of Mon

State at about 10.20 am today. Members of Myanmar Police Force, the district and  township administrators using hand speakers warned them as Article 144 of Criminal Procedure is in effect and urged them to disperse. For the time being, protesters started committing the acts against the law by throwing stones and bottles of drinking water.

As such, members of Myanmar Police Force requested the crowd to disperse but those protesters did not disperse and committed acts of melees with chanting slogans and inciting protests. At about 10.30 am, members of security troop arrested four protesters including leaders Nyo Min and Tun Nyein Oo. The rector and officials of Mawlamyine University negotiated with security personnel to release the four on the bail. Despite holding negotiation, protesters did not disperse themselves and committed violent acts such as using catapults and throwing stones, bricks and sticks. Although members of security troop fired about 10 shots by guns with the use of rubber bullets, those protesters did not disperse and committed unlawfully worse acts. So, members of security troops temporarily evaded from the scene.

In the incident, some police members were injured in violent acts of protesters and vehicles and police equipment damaged. Members of Myanmar Police Force are discharging security duties in accord with the law day and night not to cause melees and disturbances in the nation.