The army in Myanmar killed dozens of people on Sunday evening in an airstrike during a concert in Kachin state in the north of the country. Eyewitnesses confirmed this to the German news agency on Monday. The number of deaths is increasing as many are seriously injured. More than 60 casualties had been reported by Monday afternoon (local time).
With the concert in Hpakant Township municipality, the participants wanted to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), which stands up for the rights of the Myanmar, predominantly Christian ethnic group of the Kachin. According to local news reports, the attack with three Myanmar military machines was carried out around 9 p.m., just as many people had gathered for the event. The Kachin News Group posted a video to Facebook (see below) purporting to show the aftermath of the attack.
The dead included well-known artists in the region, said a musician who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons. “We have lost our people, our artists, our brothers and sisters. I will never forget this terrible act and they have to pay for it,” said the eyewitness. “This is not a war zone. Our people just enjoyed an ethnic commemoration concert, but the army attacked anyway,” said Aung Hein Min, former MP from Hpakant Township. The place is known for its large deposits of jade.
UN: “Deeply concerned and saddened”
The United Nations in Myanmar said it was “deeply concerned and saddened” by the reports. The injured are in urgent need of medical care, the statement said. “What appears to be the excessive and disproportionate use of force by aid workers against unarmed civilians is unacceptable and those responsible must be held accountable.”
Since a military coup on February 1, 2021, the former Burma has been plunged into chaos and violence. The junta rules with an iron fist and suppresses any resistance. The Kachin Independence Organization has been fighting the military for decades and supporting those who oppose the coup. Many people have settled in the region, fleeing the brutality of the generals.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
