Myanmar military regime backed by China, cracks down on protesters

NAYPYITAW: Myanmar's military regime, which recently overthrew the democratically elected government in a coup, has intensified its crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in the country.

On Saturday, several users on social media who claimed to be the citizens of Myanmar posted shocking pictures and videos of military repression against the protesters at Yadanarpon Dock in Mandalay.

"Police are still shooting into the crowd in Mandalay. Situation is really tense and reporters are too stuck within the gunfire."

Earlier this month, the Myanmar military imposed a one-year state of emergency after detaining democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and others.

The military junta, which ruled the country through the 90s and 2000s, has had the backing of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). After a long struggle against the military regime for nearly two decades, Suu Kyi had led Myanmar's transition to a partial democracy in the last five years.

For CCP, Myanmar is of strategic importance due to its access to the Indian Ocean, the main route for China's oil imports from the Middle East. Beijing is keen on the development of overland routes for oil and gas pipelines via the Kyaukphyu special economic zone (SEZ) and deep-sea port, which will allow it to bypass the South China Sea where the US and Japan are challenging its sovereignty.

A Reuters photographer Soe Zeya Tun on Saturday posted a video of a wounded woman seen after the police crackdown on the protesters.

Protesters posted pictures of injured victims and sharp irons, reportedly thrown at them by police.

Civilians tweeted saying that the police had arrested some of the protesters too. (IANS)

Also Read: China refutes rumours about Myanmar situation

Also watch: All Assam Panchayat coordinating committee members protest at Chachal